Shichirigahama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you: the next couple of weeks are looking pretty grim for a proper paddle. We’ve got a long stretch of tiny, weak surf ahead, and it’s going to test your patience. The good news? There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s a long way off.

We’re looking at a solid run of poor conditions from now through the 24th. The swell is tiny, mostly under 2ft, with periods that are all over the shop, and the energy is weak – we’re talking readings in the 20s and 30s (weak energy). Nothing’s worth getting wet for, unless you just want to float around. There’s a bit of offshore wind here and there, which keeps things clean, but with no waves, clean doesn’t matter much.

The first real glimmer of hope shows up on Tuesday, August 25th. The swell finally starts to show some life. The morning has a 3ft southeast swell with a 14-second period, and the wind is offshore from the north. It’s surfable, but ordinary. Then, Tuesday afternoon is the standout. The same 3ft southeast swell with that long 14-second period (a proper groundswell) rolls in, and the wind goes glassy. The energy reading jumps to 277 (moderate energy) and the conditions finally line up. This is the one to circle on the calendar. It’s not huge, but it’ll be clean and, for this stretch, that’s a win.

The swell bumps up a bit on Wednesday the 26th, with a 4ft southeast swell in the morning, but the wind swings onshore from the southeast, and it gets choppy. Not worth it.

Then we see another pulse on Friday, August 28th. Swell builds to 4ft in the morning and 5ft in the afternoon, coming from the south with an offshore north-northeast wind. The energy is moderate (124 and 189). It looks clean, but the period is short – only 6-7 seconds – so it’ll be a bit crumbly and without much push. It’s surfable, but it’s not going to be a classic.

So, if you’re hanging for a wave, your best bet is that glassy Tuesday afternoon on the 25th. It’s the only time in the next two weeks where everything clicks, even if it’s not huge. The water temp is sitting at 81°F, which is right about average for this time of year, so you won’t need a wetsuit.

For the rest of the period, bring a book. There’s just nothing doing.

Rusty.

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