Hanamizu River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up. We’ve got a long stretch ahead and frankly, the first week-plus is a bit of a struggle. Hold tight though, because there’s a proper little pulse showing on the horizon for the far end of the forecast.

Right now through to the 22nd of August, it’s mostly tiny and messy. You’re looking at surfable waves but very ordinary conditions on a couple of afternoons around the 10th to 12th, with swell hanging around 2 ft to 2 ft from the SSW, but the energy is weak (only 71 to 111). Those glassy moments on Monday the 10th afternoon and Tuesday the 11th are worth a paddle if you’re desperate, but they’re not going to get the heart pumping. What’s more notable is the water temp is sitting at 81°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year.

From the 13th right through the 20th, it’s a long, dry spell of nothing worthwhile. Mostly cross-off winds, tiny swell under 2 ft, and poor surf conditions. The combined energy drops to between 25 and 81 – just a flat, sad stretch. This is a blank run of several days with no real recommendations.

Then, just when you’re about to give up, the 22nd of August – that’s a Saturday morning – shows a flicker of life. Hanamizu River (a beach/sandbar setup, fairly consistent but crowds are possible here) sees a jump in swell. We’re looking at 3 ft from the SSW, with a long period of 13 seconds and a combined energy of 321 – moderate wave energy, finally some oomph. Wind is from the NNE at 6 mph, which is cross-offshore and clean. That’s your standout for the whole run, by a long shot. The set up here, being a river mouth, should handle that longer period better than a straight beach break. The following Sunday the 23rd afternoon also looks tidy: 3 ft from the SSW, 12 seconds, cross-off breeze, clean, with energy at 279. Still good, but Saturday morning is the pick.

The rest of the 24th is marginal – clean enough but the wind turns a bit onshore, and the quality slips. So, bottom line: suffer through the next ten days, and aim for Saturday the 22nd morning at Hanamizu River for the best chance of a proper wave. It’s a long way off so don’t book the time off just yet, but it’s the only real light in this tunnel.

Rusty.

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