Kamakura - Shonan Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
South
Wind
NE to NW, check it the morning after a day of strong south winds
Surf Height
Chest high-overhead
Tide
All
Kamakura - Shonan Surf Guide
Shonan is the closest stretch of coastline to Tokyo ... an hour and a half by car. Kamakura is the part of Shonan with the best-shaped waves, and Japanese surfers think of it like Californians think of Malibu, the French think of Biarritz, and New Yorkers think of Montauk. There are more than 10 peaks, and everything is reef break. Most days the area is great for longboarding, and there is a big pay parking lot in front of the spot, so it's very useful for visitors.Inamuragasaki is a powerful reef break when a typhoon swell is running. It has a solid inside barrel section. This area, as well as Kyoto, are very historical spots in Japan and there are many cool sights like temples. If there are no waves, it's well worth touring around. Also, many restaurants line the beach, with plenty of fresh seafood.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced
Local Vibe
Doable
Can get a bit irritating due to the crowds but overall not too bad.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Weekends and holiday periods when there is swell can get packed with every surfer in Tokyo. Weekdays aren't too bad.
Spot Rating
Fun
Small swell window but can get good with southerly windswell events.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Not too bad but increases as the surf gets bigger.
Water Quality
Clean
Depends on rains.
Hazards
Crowds are the main one.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Park in the parking lot, and walk to the sand.
Bottom
Mostly reef - only Yuigahama point is sand.
Best Season
Typhoon season (July to November).
Do you have local knowledge about Kamakura - Shonan?
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