Hanamizu River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for the Hanamizu River area over the next couple of weeks.

Truth be told, it’s a slow start. We’re looking at a long stretch of pretty ordinary conditions from now all the way through the end of July and into the first few days of August. The first week and a half is basically a write-off. Most days you’ll find small, weak swell—barely enough to get a wobble on—with a lot of cross-onshore wind messing things up. The combined energy of all swells directed here sits in the low double digits (24 to 65) for nearly ten days, which is weak. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so nothing wild there.

There are a few moments of glassy wind, like Monday afternoon the 27th of July and Saturday morning the 1st of August, but the swell is just too tiny—0.3m at best—to get excited about. That’s about 1 foot. It’s a frustrating gap of about 12 days where there’s no real surf to recommend.

Now, things finally start to show some life around the 4th of August. On Tuesday morning the 4th, we get a pulse of 0.7m from the SE, with a very long period of 16 seconds, but the wind is onshore and the combined energy climbs to 337 (moderate). The surf is still marginal, but it’s a sign.

The real standout hits on the 6th of August into the 7th. Thursday morning the 6th brings a solid 2.1m swell from the SE, with a very long period of 18 seconds and cross-offshore winds from the NNE. That’s about 7 feet. The combined energy of all swells directed here is a strong 2896. Friday morning the 7th keeps that energy going with a 1.9m swell, still from the SE, 17-second period, and clean cross-offshore winds. That’s about 6 feet. This is the best on offer, but honesty—2.1m and 1.9m with that long period is serious. It’s expert territory at that size, not for beginners. The period is so long that it’ll be breaking straight at the beach, but the wind is clean, so it’ll look good for the experienced crew.

Saturday morning the 8th sees the swell fade back to 0.6m from the ESE, with glassy conditions, but it’s small again. That’s about 2 feet.

If you’re a kiter, the windier, choppy days in the middle of the stretch might be more your thing, because for paddle surfing, it’s a tough wait. The best bet is that Thursday and Friday session in the first week of August, but it’s a ways out yet, so keep an eye on it.

Rusty, signing off.

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