Hanamizu River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on offer for Hanamizu River.

Right off the bat, it's a bit of a slow start. For the first week or so, we're looking at a whole lot of nothing special. The swell is small and weak, and the wind is mostly messing things up with a cross or cross-on direction. It's a beach and sandbar setup, so you need clean conditions to get anything decent. The first few days are not worth paddling out for.

Honestly, there's a big gap of quiet, un-rideable surf stretching from the end of August right through the first few days of September. A lot of tiny waves with cross-onshore breezes – that's a recipe for frustration.

The one, and really the only, window in this whole forecast that catches my eye is around Sunday, September 6th. We finally see some proper energy arriving. The combined swell energy jumps to a strong 862, with a clean 5ft groundswell from the south at a very long period of 14 seconds. That's the kind of power that gets a sandbar working. Wind looks acceptable, a gentle cross-off from the SSW, which should keep things fairly clean. This is the standout, the one to circle on the calendar. That long period swell will push through with some real shape, but at beach breaks it can sometimes throw a straight wall, so you'll want to pick your peak carefully. It's a spot that breaks sometimes, but when it turns on, it's worth the wait.

Through the next week it fades again. The 7th and 8th have size, pushing up to 6ft and 6ft, but the wind goes onshore more, chopping up the face. That’s more likely for the well-equipped crew, not beginners. By the 9th it drops back, and we finish the run with more small, messy days.

So, the call is clear: wait for that Sunday, September 6th. It’s the only serious offering in the long-range. For the rest, keep your board in the car but don't get your hopes up.

- Rusty

Read more