Kamakura Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. Look, I’ll be straight with you – the next week or so around Kamakura is pretty flat. We’ve got hardly any size, and the wind’s been a mess. Nothing worth paddling out for until the morning of Saturday the 22nd, and even then it’s just a tiny 2ft glassy bump. That’s a real tease, because the energy’s only 60 – weak. It’s a long wait for something decent.

The real standout is shaping up for Tuesday the 25th of August. Kamakura is an exposed south-facing beach, and that morning we’ll see a clean 3ft SSE groundswell with a long period of 14 seconds. The energy jumps to 310 (moderate) and the wind is a light cross-offshore from the ENE. That’s clean, lined-up, and the water temp is about 81°, dead normal for this time of year. It’s not huge, but for a beginner-friendly spot that’s been dead, this is the best on offer. The long period means the waves will have shape, but at a beach break it might run a bit straight, so keep an eye on the sandbanks.

The window from Wednesday the 26th through Friday the 28th gets serious. On Wednesday morning, we’re looking at 5ft SSE groundswell, 14-second period, and a clean cross-offshore from the NE. Energy hits 827 (strong). That’s solid, but the swell is still a bit south, so it’s not perfect for Kamakura’s optimum south swell direction. By Thursday the 27th morning, the swell jumps to 5ft from the south, period 15 seconds, and pure offshore wind from the north at 19 mph. The energy is huge – 1161 (very strong). That’s a big, powerful, clean groundswell. But 5ft is getting too big for beginners, and the offshore is strong, making it a challenge. Friday the 28th morning sees 6ft south swell, 15-second period, and a strong north wind at 28 mph. Energy is 1432 (very strong). This is expert territory. The wind is so strong it’ll be hard to paddle into, and the waves will be heavy.

After that, the surf drops back down. Saturday the 29th morning still has 5ft, but the wind swings onshore from the SSW, ruining it. By Sunday the 30th, it’s back to 3ft and onshore. The last few days of the outlook into early September are a write-off – onshore wind, small swell, and poor conditions.

So, if you’re a beginner, that Tuesday the 25th morning is your window. For the experienced crew, the Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th mornings are the real deal – big, clean, offshore, but you’ll need to earn it. The crowds at Kamakura can be a hassle sometimes, so get there early for the best of it.

Rusty.

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