Shichirigahama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s break it down for this stretch of coast. The long-range picture is a bit of a mixed bag, with a lot of onshore wind and very ordinary conditions, but there is a glimmer of something way out there that’s worth waiting for.

The opening window is a real slow burn. The first few days don't offer much to get excited about. We have some small, short-period swell around, but the wind is mostly on it or just messy. The water is sitting at 82°, which is about normal for this time of year, so at least the dips are warm.

For the first recommendation, we have to look ahead to Tuesday the 1st of September. Shichirigahama is the call. This river-mouth setup is inconsistent, but it’s our best bet early on. The wind goes cross-offshore from the ENE in the afternoon, which is a major positive. Swell is a knee-to-waist high 3 ft from the South at 12 seconds, a clean groundswell. The combined energy is moderate (301), so there’s a bit of push. The water is still warm and the crowd factor is a "sometimes", so you might have some company, but it’s worth a look. The earlier morning on the 1st has a similar 3 ft swell but a moderate offshore wind, making it a decent backup session.

Things get a bit trickier after that. From the 2nd through the 7th, it’s a long stretch of onshore winds and poor surf conditions. The swell picks up on the 3rd with 5 ft to 6 ft from the South, but it’s hammered by strong onshore SSW winds, making it lumpy and poor. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle-friendly one. There’s a lot of energy in the water (603 on the 3rd), but it’s completely wasted for us.

The real standout is the session on Tuesday the 8th of September. Both morning and afternoon are looking clean. The wind is light and cross-offshore from the East, and the swell is a solid 4 ft from the South at 12 seconds. The combined energy is strong (350-398). This is a proper groundswell with good shape. The water remains warm. It’s a full week and a half away, so while it’s the best on offer, keep an eye on the forecast as it gets closer.

The following day, Wednesday the 9th, is also a beaut. The wind goes glassy, with almost no breeze, and the swell holds at 4-4 ft from the South. This will be a dreamy session with clean, lined-up waves. The combined energy of all swells directed here is strong (393-398), so there is plenty of juice to get you into the wave. For a break that’s inconsistent, seeing two days of clean, decent-sized swell is a real treat.

The run ends on the 10th with the wind turning back onshore again, and the swell goes to a longer 16-second period, but the onshore wind ruins it. That long period would be great for a point break, but not here with the wind.

So, to sum it up: the start is a write-off, the middle is a battle with the wind, but the 8th and 9th of September are the sessions to mark on your calendar. Be patient.

Rusty.

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