Takegashima Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, and I’ve had a good look at what’s on the cards for the little reef setup at Takegashima. Let’s get into it.

First off, we’re looking at a pretty quiet start. The first week is mostly small and ordinary, with a few glassy moments but barely enough energy to get excited about. The water is sitting at 83°F which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so that’s a nice bonus if you’re just wanting a paddle.

Things kick off on Saturday the 25th of July with a tiny 1ft SE swell, but the wind is cross-off and it’s clean. The combined energy is weak (133), so it’s more of a longboard and funboard kind of day. Sunday the 26th is even better for conditions – glassy in the morning with that same 1ft SE swell and a 15-second period. That’s a long period groundswell, which at a reef break like this should give you some nice, well-shaped lines, but the sets will be spaced out. Monday the 27th repeats the glassy morning with 1ft SE, still clean. The energy is still moderate, with readings around 173. Tuesday the 28th sees a tiny bump to 2ft S swell, but the period drops to 8 seconds, so it’s weaker and more disorganised.

From Wednesday the 29th right through to Saturday the 1st of August, it’s pretty poor. The swell drops to 1.0ft to 1ft, and the combined energy falls into the 20s and 40s, which is very weak. Not worth suiting up for.

Now, Sunday the 2nd of August shows a little life. The morning is glassy with a 1.0ft ESE swell, 12-second period, and energy is 65, still weak. But the afternoon picks up to 2ft ESE with a 12-second period and energy of 119, so it’s surfable, but still very ordinary.

The real standout window starts to show itself on Monday the 3rd of August. The swell builds to 3ft ESE by the afternoon, period 16 seconds, and the energy jumps to 723. That’s moderate-strong energy. The wind is cross, so it’s a bit messy. Tuesday the 4th of August is where it gets interesting. Morning has 5ft ESE swell with 15-second period, and the energy is over 1100 (strong). The wind is light cross-on, but the afternoon is where it’s at: 5ft ESE, 15-second period, clean cross-off wind, and energy of 1347. That’s excellent for experienced surfers. The sets will be solid, but that period is long enough to give you proper groundswell lines on the reef. Just be aware that the swell is over 5 feet, so it’s not for beginners.

Wednesday the 5th of August sees a peak: 6ft ESE swell, 16-second period, but the morning is onshore, so it’s messy. The afternoon is better with 5ft E swell, 15-second period, and cross wind. The energy is still very strong (1427). Thursday the 6th drops back to 4ft E, still decent but not as punchy.

But the absolute best on offer is the final weekend. Saturday the 8th of August brings a massive 10ft S swell with a 16-second period. The morning is glassy – absolutely pristine. The combined energy is 4192, which is very strong. The afternoon is similar with 10ft S, cross-off wind, and energy of 5508. This is for experts only – over 8 feet is serious territory. Then Sunday the 9th of August is off the charts: 15ft to 18ft S swell, 16-second period, glassy morning, and combined energy readings of 10322 and 14752. That’s exceptional, but only for the most experienced. The reef will be handling all that energy, but you’ll be in for a wild ride.

Crowds at Takegashima can be an issue sometimes, but with a swell this size, only the hardcore will be out.

So, the standout is definitely the 8th and 9th of August. That’s a solid two-day window of clean, powerful, groundswell. If you’re an expert, that’s your time. The Tuesday the 4th of August afternoon is also a strong call for the more experienced intermediate.

Signing off, Rusty.

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