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Recommended Okinawa surfing guide


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Summary of a surfing guide for experienced/beginners on the main island of Okinawa! Introducing the Surfing guide plan held by a local surfer guide on the main island of Okinawa (Chatan).At the same time, let's check Information useful for first-time surfing in Okinawa, such as surfing spots and spots in Okinawa, when and when you can surf, and points to note.


Contents



Surf Basics

surfing in the sunrise

First, let's review basic knowledge of surfing for those who are enjoying surfing for the first time.

Let's learn the basic knowledge you should know before participating in an Okinawa surfing guide, such as the tools and goods you need and how to choose a surfboard.

| What is surfing?

Surfing is a water sport that enjoys "surfing using the propulsive force created by waves and slopes of water.

People who are familiar with surfing are called surfers, and both professionals and amateurs have many enthusiasts around the world.

It is said to have originated with the ancient Polynesian people of Hawaii and Tahiti.

In modern times, it became popular mainly in California, USA, and now a form of surfing that is popular all over the world.

| Necessary tools for surfing

Many people have the misconception that Can you enjoy surfing with just a surfboard?.

Although surfing is a simple water sport that doesn't require a lot of equipment, Besides a surfboard, there are some essential items.

The following is a summary of basic tools and goods needed to enjoy surfing and their uses.

Surfboard

A board that rides waves is called a surfboard. In general, they are classified into three types: "longboards" of 9ft (approximately 274.3cm) or more, "shortboards" of smaller sizes, and "mid-length" which combines the advantages of the two.Leash

The tool that plays the role of a stop that connects the surfboard and the ankle is called a "leash cord". It is a must-have item for safety to prevent the board from being washed away by the current of the waves.


Wax

Wax (surf wax)" is an item that is applied to the surface of the surfboard to prevent it from slipping. The unevenness on the surface of the board makes the soles of your feet more effective.


Wetsuit

Wetsuits are surfwear worn when the temperature or water temperature is low. Depending on the air and water temperature, there are types such as spring, semi-dry, and full suit.


Rashguard Surf Pants

Wear a rash guard and surf pants in the summer when the temperature and water are high. Wearing a rash guard is recommended not only to prevent sunburn but also to prevent wax from rubbing against your skin.


This is a brief explanation of basic knowledge of surfing and the tools you need.

From here, we will introduce the attractions and characteristics of surfing in Okinawa, as well as surf spots and points.


Okinawa surfing features and precautions

outer reef break

Surfing in Okinawa is different from surfing in other areas.

Next, I will explain the important points when talking about surfing in Okinawa: Reef break, "At high tide", and "Temperature and water temperature".

| Reef break in Okinawa sea

The first characteristic is that Okinawa's surfing points are all "reef breaks.

A reef break is a surfing term that describes rocks or coral reefs on the ocean floor where waves break.

On the contrary, When the bottom of the sea where the waves rise is sandy, it is called a "beach break, and many of the surfing spots north of Honshu fall into this category.

| Surf only at high tide

At Okinawa's surf spots, which are "reef breaks," the water level rises and you can only enjoy surfing at high tide.

Because at low tide, when the tide is so-called low tide, rocks and coral reefs are above the surface, so even entering the sea, let alone surfing, is dangerous.

The time of high tide when you can enjoy surfing is around 4 hours, depending on the weather and season.

| Temperatures and water are warm in all four seasons

Okinawa (including remote islands), which belongs to a hot and humid subtropical oceanic climate, is characterized by high temperatures all year round.

Ishigaki Island, which belongs to the southernmost Yaeyama Islands, as well as Okinawa Island, which is the northernmost, winter maximum temperature rises to around 20℃.

In addition, since the waters of the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean surrounding Okinawa are affected by the Kuroshio Current, the water temperature is warm, making it easy for beginners to start surfing.

Okinawa's surfing experience school that can be enjoyed as an activity selects the best point for that day.

For those who want to enjoy surfing in Okinawa for the first time, we recommend joining a tour plan with a local surfer as a guide.


Okinawa surfing spots

surfing instructor

As I mentioned earlier, Surfing" isn't well-known or recognized as a manly activity that you can enjoy during your stay in Okinawa.

I want to surf in Okinawa, where can I go?

From here, we will introduce the main surfing points of Okinawa Main Island, which is particularly popular among surfing spots in Okinawa.

| Surfing spots on the main island of Okinawa

Sunabe (Miyagi Coast, Chatan Town)

One of the most famous surfing spots on the main island of Okinawa is Sunabe (Miyagi Coast, Chatan Town). There are surfers of all levels, from beginner to advanced.


Kochan

A surfing spot off the coast of Cape Hedo at the northernmost tip of the main island of Okinawa, commonly known as "Kochan". A shallow reef break and a regular surf point for advanced users.


Maeda

Maeda, known for its famous snorkeling and scuba diving spot, "Blue Cave", is also one of the popular surfing spots on the main island.


Tengan (Konbu Beach)

Tengan (Konbu Beach)" is basically a calm sea with typhoon swells and waves. It is a surfing point where you can enjoy surfing all day by receiving the swell of a typhoon.


Suicide (Yonesu Beach)

Suicide (Komesu Coast) is a popular surfing spot in the southern part of Okinawa Island. It is a popular spot that is often crowded due to its good access from the airport and Naha city.



Benefits of using Okinawa Surfing Guide

Take off!

Okinawa", where the emerald green sea is a playfield Marine activity experience tours are synonymous with tourism.

Various experiential tours such as snorkeling" and "scuba diving are held at points such as beaches, offshore areas accessible by boat, and remote islands, which are gaining popularity.

However, compared to these marine activities, surfing in Okinawa is less well-known, and many beginners may wonder, Is it possible to surf in Okinawa?.

Next, for those who are looking for a surfing guide for the first time in Okinawa, I will explain the charm of Okinawa surfing point by point.

| Great for beginners and children!

The surfing guides held in Okinawa are inexperienced, beginners, small children and the elderly, as well as experienced surfers.

NALUWAN Okinawa currently offers a surfing guide for experienced surfers for people aged 6 to 65, and a plan that allows beginners and inexperienced surfers to participate.

With an instructor/coach guide who is familiar with the characteristics of the sea and wave quality in Okinawa, you can enjoy your first surfing experience in Okinawa safely and securely.

| Come empty-handed with equipment rental!

Many people, especially those with experience and beginners, may be wondering, Can I surf without my surfboard?.

NALUWAN Okinawa's surfing guides are Rental of surfing equipment (boards, leash cords, wet suits, etc.).

Basically, you can enjoy surfing empty-handed as long as you have general preparations for swimming and playing in the water, such as a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and a change of clothes.

Of course, you can bring your own surfboards and wetsuits!

| Minimum reservation for 1 person!

We often receive inquiries about the number of people, such as Can I participate alone?, "I want to surf during my free time at work!", and "Can I make a reservation for a group?".

NALUWAN Okinawa introduces Okinawa surfing guides that are currently accepting reservations for 1 to 8 people.

You can enjoy Okinawa surfing not only for couples and families, but also for groups of friends, student trips, and company trips.There are many guests who use it during their free time on business trips.


Okinawa Surfing Guide Information Area


Where is the Okinawa surfing guide held? and many people are looking for a place where they can enjoy surfing on the main island of Okinawa.

NALUWAN Okinawa introduces the current Okinawa surfing guide area.

Southern AreaSuicide" represents the southern area with good access from Naha Airport. On weekends, it is crowded with many surfers.

Central Area

Sunabe is the surfing spot on the west coast of central Okinawa. Located on the coastline of Chatan, this is a representative surfing spot in Okinawa where many professional and amateur surfers live.

There are many other surf points.

Northern Area

There are many surf spots scattered north of Nago City. Most of them are secret points, so there are few people and the best waves are breaking.

Outer Leaf

There are many outer reef points in Okinawa that cannot be entered by paddling. Of course the point is that you can fully enjoy the best waves by chartering.At NALUWAN Okinawa, we also have a plan to guide you to the outer reef point by boat!

Okinawa surfing guide popular plans

surfing with friends

Finally, we would like to introduce the Okinawa surfing guide's popular plan provided by NALUWAN Okinawa.

NALUWAN Okinawa's surfing guides are ISA (International Surfing Federation) certified instructors and coaches, so they can give accurate advice and respond to requests from those who want to improve their surfing!

Use plan details, required time, rental goods, etc. to compare and consider course selection.


POINT!Many reservations and inquiries are expected for each course during long vacation seasons such as Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, and Silver Week. We recommend that you check the availability of the schedule and make early reservations.


Okinawa Surfing Guide (Beach Entry Course)Beginners/beginners are also available only for the beat entry course.From 9,800 yen (tax included)Discount campaign in progress!


2nd place

Okinawa surfing guide (boat entry charter course)We will guide you by boat to the point of the out reef that is free from congestion.Because it is a charter, you can enjoy surfing only with your friends.From 39,800 yen (tax included)Discount campaign in progress!


3rd place

Okinawa Surfing Guide (Boat Entry Shared Course)We will guide you by boat to the point of the out reef that is free from congestion.You can enjoy the waves of the outer reef at a reasonable price.From 12,000 yen (tax included)Discount campaign in progress!






Okinawa Surfing Guide FAQ

QIs it okay for beginners? A Accompanied by a professional instructor and guide. After arriving at the sea, the instructor will give a briefing (explanation). We will explain surf points, wave characteristics, entry/exit methods, local rules, and dangerous areas.

After the explanation, we will surf at the wave pace that suits each level. Please be assured that the instructor will always support you by your side.


QDo you have rentals? A We have the following rentals.

Mid length

Longboard

Wetsuit

​ and many more are available.


QWhat does the plan include? A Guide fee, insurance and consumption tax are included in the price.


QIs there anything I should bring? A Please bring a surfboard, leash, swimwear/wetsuit, wax, etc. if you have one.

Rentals are also available.


QDoes the tide determine surf times? A The seafloor of all surfing spots in Okinawa is made up of coral reefs and rocks called reefs. Therefore, at low tide, surfing is not possible because the coral reefs are exposed. Surfing is possible only before and after high tide when the water depth increases. Even if there is a big swell such as a typhoon, you can surf in a deep place where waves do not usually rise, called a typhoon point.


QDo you offer transportation? A If it is a facility/hotel in Chatan town, we will guide you to the surfing point for free. Please feel free to contact us outside of Chatan Town.


QAttractive points of surfing in OkinawaA Okinawa has a mild climate, so you don't have to worry about the time of the year, and it's perfect for your surfing debut. There are many surf spots on the main island (Maeda, Tengan, Sunabe, Ikeijima, Suicide, etc.). All the spots are reef breaks (coral reefs and rocks on the seabed), so the way the waves rise and swell is different from beach breaks with sandy seabeds, and you can't surf at low tide. Local surfers enjoy surfing at each point and there are rules specific to surfing. We recommend using a surfing guide who is familiar with the local area and wave information when surfing in Okinawa, including renting wet suits and the dangers and rules of reef breaks.






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