Asakawa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty here. Honestly, not much to write home about for the first week and a half at Asakawa – it’s a frustrating stretch of poor surf, mostly tiny and messy. Things finally start looking up from 21 August, with a solid session on the 25th being the real standout.

The water temp is sitting at a warm 84°F, which is about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first few days – Thursday 13th through Sunday 16th – are a write-off. We’re looking at 2ft of weak, short-period swell from the SSW or S, with cross-onshore or onshore winds, and the combined energy is barely hitting 136 (weak). There’s even a risk of thunderstorms. Not worth paddling out.

Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th aren’t any better – still tiny, with poor conditions and onshore winds. The energy is moderate at best, around 221–298, but the surf is just ordinary.

Wednesday 19th sees a jump in the swell to 4ft–5ft from the ESE, with combined energy getting up to 413 (moderate), but cross-shore and onshore winds keep it messy. Not your day.

Thursday 20th morning is glassy, but the swell is only 4ft from the SE, and the energy is moderate (244). It’s surfable but ordinary – not a standout.

Now, Friday 21st is the first real bright spot. Morning brings glassy conditions with 4ft of S swell, period around 9 seconds, and combined energy of 317 (moderate). The afternoon stays glassy and the energy jumps to 372 – good surf conditions are expected. This is a solid session for intermediates, though the swell direction from the S isn’t perfect for Asakawa’s optimum SE, so it’s more of a fun, clean option than a world-beater.

Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd are clean but small – 4ft and 2ft from the S/SW, with cross-offshore winds. The energy drops off (252 down to 135), so it’s just ordinary.

Monday 24th is glassy but tiny – 1ft of long-period SE swell (13 seconds), energy only 104 (weak). Not much to work with.

And then, Tuesday 25th – this is the one. The morning is glassy, with 7ft of ESE swell, a groundswell period of 14 seconds, and combined energy of 1978 – that’s strong, powerful wave energy. The guidance says Asakawa is a point break, and long-period groundswell from the ESE is a great match for its optimum SE direction. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers – the size and energy mean it’s too big for beginners, and the long period will produce clean, well-shaped waves at the point. Crowds are sometimes a problem here, so get in early.

Wednesday 26th morning is still good – 6ft from the ESE with 13-second period, glassy, energy 1241 (strong). Another solid session for intermediates and above.

Thursday 27th morning sees 8ft from the ESE, 15-second period, energy 2644 (very strong), but onshore winds and rain showers make it marginal. The afternoon pushes 10ft, but it’s cross-onshore and messy.

Friday 28th morning is a monster – 16ft from the ESE, 15-second period, energy 11346 (extremely strong), but with moderate cross-onshore winds and choppy conditions. The afternoon hits 18ft and 13885 energy, but it’s wild and dangerous – only for the most experienced, and even then, the wind is a problem.

So, the standout is clearly Tuesday 25th August morning at Asakawa – 7ft of clean, powerful ESE groundswell, glassy, and perfect for the point. Friday 21st is a good warm-up if you’re keen.

Rusty.

Read more