The Surf Window

Iriomote-jima

Okinawa, Japan

Reef breakAdvanced

Japan's last wilderness island, Iriomote is 90% jungle, home to the critically endangered Iriomote cat, where the outer reef catches typhoon swells and northeast groundswells in one of the most biodiverse and remote surf environments in Japan.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–NE 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

SE

Light to S under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Various, reef passes and outer reef breaks

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert surfers
  • •Why: Remote jungle island reef breaks, complete self-reliance in one of Japan's most isolated places

Hazards

  • •Saltwater crocodiles in river estuaries, do not swim in rivers or near river mouths
  • •Coral reef throughout
  • •Habu snakes on land and Irukandji jellyfish in the water

Local Tips

  • •The Urauchi River jungle boat trip is extraordinary, UNESCO-level biodiversity
  • •The Iriomote cat is critically endangered, if you see one, consider yourself extraordinarily lucky
  • •This is the antithesis of mainstream Japanese surf culture, a genuine wilderness adventure

Location

Map showing the location of Iriomote-jima in Okinawa, Japan

24.3464, 123.8391