Kudaka-jima Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NE, E, SE, S
Wind
WNW or NW
Surf Height
Chest high-few feet overhead
Tide
Higher tides are better.
Kudaka-jima Surf Guide
An offshore island accessible by the daily Japan Post mail boat, Kudaka sits well off the coast of mainland Okinawa. There's a nicely angled reef next to the harbor that can produce a fast left up to 100 yards long on the highest of tides. Lower tides will break the wave into a series of sections, with the occasional barrel and some good turn sections.Kudaka takes a typhoon swell, usually after the storm has passed Okinawa and moved north, and the northwest wind blows offshore as the wave bends around the reef. The water here is a very pristine blue, and the scene is more like a South Pacific reef than a typical Japanese surfing setup.Kudaka is a very relaxed little island with few residents and the lineup can be empty of surfers during the week.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate, advanced when bigger
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Mellow, no hassles here.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Weekends and holiday periods when there is swell usually have a few takers, empty during the week.
Spot Rating
Fun
Can be good with the right swell/tide/wind combination.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Long reef wave so some current to deal with
Water Quality
Clean
No issues.
Hazards
The bottom.
Bring Your
Shortboard
Access
Walk out on the big seawall from the boat landing. The ferry from Okinawa goes over in the morning, return trip in the evening.
Bottom
Coral reef
Best Season
Typhoon season - July to November can get the biggest but there can be waves any time of year.
Do you have local knowledge about Kudaka-jima?
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