Takegashima Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for Takegashima over the next couple of weeks.

First up, I’ve gotta be straight with ya – we’re lookin’ at a pretty quiet start. From today, Tuesday the 14th of July, right through to the end of that week, it’s a bit of a write-off. Tiny little swells, mostly around 1ft to 1ft, and the energy’s weak – we’re talkin’ combined energy values in the 30s and 40s (weak). The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there. You’ll get some glassy mornings on the 14th, 16th, and 17th, but with waves that small, it’s barely a paddle. Not worth wettin’ the suit.

The weekend of the 18th and 19th stays small, with a bit more energy creepin’ in – energy values around 80 to 85 (still weak). The winds are mostly cross or cross-off, so the surface is clean enough, but the swell’s just not there. By Sunday afternoon the 19th, we get a tiny bump to 2ft, but it’s still “surfable but ordinary.” Honestly, nothin’ to get excited about.

Then we hit a real dry spell. Monday the 20th through to Friday the 24th of July – it’s flat. Swells drop back to 1ft, energy sinks into the 20s and 30s. You’re better off checkin’ the tide pools. There’s a gap of about four days where there’s no real surf on offer.

Now, here’s where it gets a little interesting. From Saturday the 25th of July, we start seein’ a pulse. The swell ticks up to 1ft, but the period jumps to 16 seconds – that’s a long-period groundswell. The combined energy climbs into the 130s to 140s (moderate). The wind’s light and cross-off, so conditions are clean. It’s still small, but you can feel the energy buildin’.

Sunday the 26th keeps that trend goin’ – 1ft at 15 seconds, energy up to 164 (moderate), and glassy conditions in the morning. It’s not gonna blow ya away, but it’s a sign of life.

Then we get to the real standout. Monday the 27th of July, things step up. Swell jumps to 2ft, then 3ft in the afternoon, period around 14 seconds, and the combined energy hits 299 to 355 (moderate). The wind is light and cross-shore, so it’s a bit bumpy, but the energy’s there. This is a groundswell, and for a reef break like Takegashima, that’s a good thing – it’ll line up nicely. The swell is comin’ from the SSE, which is a bit off the optimum E direction, but still solid.

Tuesday the 28th of July is the best of the bunch. We’ve got 3ft of swell, period around 10 seconds, and combined energy at 234 (moderate). The wind? Glassy in the morning, then light cross-off in the arvo. That’s clean, clean, clean. For a consistent, advanced-level reef break, this is your window. The crowds can be a thing here sometimes, so if you can get out early Tuesday morning, you’ll have it good. The swell direction is SSE, which is workable, and the period is solid. This is the pick of the forecast.

After that, Wednesday the 29th drops off again – 2ft, short period, and energy back to 100 (weak). The window closes.

So, to sum it up: the first week and a half is a total bust. But if you’re patient, the 27th and especially the 28th of July are worth markin’ on the calendar. Tuesday morning the 28th is the one – glassy, 3ft, clean lines at Takegashima. Get in the water.

- Rusty

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