Takegashima Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty here. We’ve got a proper run of swell coming through for Takegashima, but it’s a wild ride—huge, powerful, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. The water’s sitting at 84°F, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you’ll be in for a warm one.

The action kicks off Monday morning, August 3rd, with a 5ft swell from the ESE at 16 seconds. That’s a long-period groundswell, meaning good energy and clean lines, but the wind is a light cross-onshore, so it’s a bit bumpy. The energy is moderate (1263). It’s a slow start, but things ramp up fast.

By Tuesday, August 4th, the swell jumps to 10ft in the morning from the ESE, still with that long 16-second period. The energy is building (6692). The wind stays light cross-onshore, so it’s a bit messy but rideable. By Tuesday afternoon, it’s 12ft from the ESE at 17 seconds—very long period—and the energy is strong (14172). Wind is a gentle cross-shore, so it’s got some shape. This is getting serious, though. Over 8ft, so experts only.

Wednesday, August 5th, is a beast. Morning sees 15ft from the SE at 17 seconds, with strong energy (12450) and a gentle cross-onshore. By afternoon, it’s 16ft from the SE at 17 seconds, energy is very strong (15148), and the wind is light cross-onshore. The swell is too big for this reef break, so only the most experienced should even look at it.

Thursday, August 6th, is the peak. Morning brings 21ft from the SE at 17 seconds, energy through the roof (22487), with a moderate onshore wind. Afternoon stays at 21ft, but the wind picks up to 19 mph from the E, making it fresh and lumpy. This is full-on, massive, and dangerous. Not a paddle session—maybe more interesting for the kite crew.

Friday, August 7th, still has 20ft in the morning from the SSE, but the wind is onshore and moderate. By afternoon, it drops to 15ft from the S, but the wind is still moderate and choppy. Conditions are poor. Saturday, August 8th, sees 13ft in the morning from the S, but the wind is onshore. By afternoon, it’s down to 8ft from the SE with a short 9-second period, and it’s choppy. Not worth it.

Sunday, August 9th, through to Monday, August 10th, is a write-off—10ft to 4ft, short period, moderate cross-onshore winds, and poor surf conditions. The energy is weak (around 934 to 684). Just not happening.

Tuesday, August 11th, brings a bit of hope. The swell is 8ft from the E at 11 seconds, with light cross-onshore winds and moderate energy (2205). It’s still marginal, but the longer period helps. The best of the whole run, though, comes on Wednesday, August 12th. Morning is 3ft from the S at 11 seconds, with glassy conditions—absolutely clean. The energy is low (408), but the wind is glassy, and that’s a treat. Afternoon stays 3ft from the S, with a light cross-offshore wind and clean conditions. This is the standout for quality, even if the size is small. It’s a reef break, so that long period will wrap in nicely.

The rest of the week is small. Thursday, August 13th, has 2ft from the E at 12 seconds, with glassy conditions in the afternoon. Friday, August 14th, is 3ft to 4ft, but the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, so it’s messy. Saturday, August 15th, sees a jump to 10ft from the E, but the wind is moderate cross-onshore, and conditions are poor. Sunday, August 16th, is 5ft from the ESE, but again choppy.

Monday, August 17th, has 7ft from the ESE at 10 seconds, with light cross-onshore winds and low energy (873). The afternoon is 6ft from the ESE, with a light cross-offshore wind and clean conditions—that’s a nice little session. Tuesday, August 18th, fades out with 3ft to 3ft, clean but small.

Overall, the standout is Wednesday, August 12th, for the glassy and clean conditions, even though it’s small. For the big stuff, Tuesday afternoon, August 4th, is the best balance of size and decent wind, but it’s expert-only. The big mid-week swell is for the brave and the experienced. For the rest of us, the clean small days are the pick.

Rusty.

Read more