Shidashita Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
E or SE during typhoon season, NE swells in winter and spring.
Wind
SW or W but can handle S better than nearby areas.
Surf Height
Chest high-several feet overhead
Tide
All tides depending on the sand.
Shidashita Beach Surf Guide
The Chiba coast east of the Tokyo metropolitan area is accessible to literally millions of Japanese surfers, and "Shida" as it is known, is one of the most popular surfing areas in the country. A big, open beachbreak with shifting sandbars that can get good on different tide and swell combinations, the hothouse competitive atmosphere of Shidashita has produced some of Japan's best surfers."Shida" can get good in both summer typhoon swells and winter or spring windswells, making it a very reliable location for the urban Tokyo surfer with a limited amount of time to get to the coast, catch a few waves, and get back to work in the city. There's a huge parking area, which on a summer weekend with waves will see hundreds of surfers hanging out between surfs in specially equipped vans and cars complete with shower systems, barbeque grills, and small refrigerators stocked with cold beer. Contest location of the 2021 Olympics.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced
Local Vibe
Welcoming
A big, open beachbreak with plenty of space, so few local vibes. Shidashita has a high standard of surfing; many of Japan's best surfers are Shida Locals.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Weekends and holiday periods when there is swell can get packed with every surfer in Tokyo, weekdays aren't too bad.
Spot Rating
Fun
Depends on the quality of the sandbars but can get good on the right swell.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Some work depending on the size of the surf but not too bad.
Water Quality
Clean
Not bad.
Hazards
Crowds can be an issue. Longboarding is not allowed.
Bring Your
Shortboard
Access
Easy access with parking lot. More infrastructure now with the 2021 Olympics.
Bottom
Sand
Best Season
Typhoon season, July to November, can get good windswell at other times of the year.
Do you have local knowledge about Shidashita Beach?
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