Hanamizu River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s happening for the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, it’s a slow start. The first week or so is pretty much a write-off. We’re looking at tiny, weak swell with cross-onshore winds and poor conditions. From Tuesday the 18th right through to the end of the following week, there’s nothing worth paddling out for. The swell height barely gets above 2ft, the energy is weak (29), and the wind is just messing things up. It’s a long gap of flatness.

The first real sign of life comes on Tuesday the 25th in the morning. A bit of a jump in swell to 3ft from the SSE, with a long period of 14 seconds, and the energy finally climbs into the moderate range (310). The wind is light and cross-shore, so it’s not perfect, but it’s a start. The wave comment says “marginal,” so don’t get too excited, but it’s the first thing we’ve seen.

Wednesday the 26th is where things get a bit more interesting. The swell is up to 5ft from the SSE, still a long 14-second period, and the energy is strong (827). The wind goes cross-offshore from the NNE, which will clean the waves up nicely. It’s still rated as “marginal” for the spot, but it’s the first real window of rideable, clean surf.

The standout window, and the best on offer, is Saturday the 29th in the morning. We get a 5ft SSW swell, with a very long 14-second period, and the energy is very strong (985). The wind is glassy from the SE – that’s a major positive. The wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions,” and for this spot, that’s the best we get. The water temperature is about 81°, which is pretty normal for this time of year. The only thing to watch is that the swell direction is SSW, and this break (Hanamizu River, beach/sandbar) likes swell from the SE, so the shape might not be perfect. But with that window of glassy wind and decent size, it’s the pick of the fortnight.

After that, it drops off again. Sunday the 30th and Monday the 31st see the swell back down to 3ft-3ft, with the wind turning back onshore and chopping things up. The energy is still moderate (350-400), but the quality is poor.

Into the first week of September, the swell drops right back. Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd have some energy but fresh, onshore winds. It’s not looking good for a paddle.

So, to wrap it up: a long, flat start, then a promising window around the 25th-29th of August, with the absolute best chance being the glassy morning of Saturday the 29th. Get on it, because it doesn’t last.

Rusty.

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