Surf Camps in Okinawa

Okinawa offers a unique surfing experience with its subtropical climate, crystal-clear waters, and a wide variety of waves. From beginner-friendly beach breaks to challenging reef breaks, there is something for every surfer in this beautiful Japanese

The Surf Scene in Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, is a chain of subtropical islands that has become a premier destination for surfers. The vibe is a unique blend of laid-back island life and a passionate surf culture. With its crystal-clear warm waters, stunning coral reefs, and a backdrop of lush green hills, Okinawa offers a surfing experience that is as beautiful as it is thrilling. The local surf community is welcoming, and you'll find a mix of local surfers and international visitors sharing the waves.

Types of Waves

Okinawa boasts a diverse range of surf breaks, thanks to its exposure to swells from both the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. You'll find everything from gentle beginner-friendly waves to powerful barrels for the experts.

• Reef Breaks: The majority of Okinawa's famous waves are reef breaks. The Sunabe Seawall is a well-known spot with multiple peaks suitable for different skill levels, often compared to Waikiki. For the more experienced, Hedo Point at the northern tip of the main island is a swell magnet that can produce long, powerful rides.
• Point Breaks: While less common, there are some quality point breaks to be found. These can offer long, peeling waves that are perfect for trimming and carving.
• Beach Breaks: For those just starting out or looking for a more forgiving wave, there are several beach breaks with sandy bottoms. These are ideal for learning and practicing in a safer environment.

Best Time to Surf

Okinawa has a remarkably long surf season, with consistent swells from August to March. The typhoon season, from late summer to autumn, brings powerful groundswells that light up the reef breaks, creating world-class waves. The winter months offer consistent windswells, making it a great time to explore the different coasts of the islands. Even in the 'off-season' from May to July, you can still find fun waves, especially for beginners.

Skill Levels

Okinawa caters to surfers of all abilities. There are plenty of surf schools and rental shops for beginners, especially around the more accessible breaks like the Sunabe Seawall. Intermediate surfers will find a paradise of fun, rippable waves on the many reefs and points. For the experts, the typhoon swells offer a true challenge with heavy, barreling waves at spots like Aha-yoko and Turtles.

What Makes It Unique?

What truly sets Okinawa apart is the combination of its unique culture, stunning natural beauty, and the sheer variety of its waves. You can be surfing a powerful reef break in the morning and exploring ancient castles in the afternoon. The water is warm year-round, so you can leave your thick wetsuit at home. The food is incredible, the people are friendly, and the scenery is breathtaking. It's a surf trip that offers so much more than just great waves.