The Surf Window

Ishigaki-jima

Okinawa, Japan

Reef breakAdvanced

The hub of Japan's Yaeyama Islands near the Taiwanese border, Ishigaki delivers reef breaks in the clearest tropical water in Japan, and when typhoon swells arrive, the outer reefs fire with genuine size and power in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–NE 1.5–3m at 12–16s

Wind

SE

Light to S under 12 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Rights and lefts over exposed reef

Length

100–250m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced to expert
  • •Why: Powerful reef breaks in the most southern part of Japan, serious waves

Hazards

  • •Shallow coral reef, serious injury risk in wipeouts
  • •Strong currents in the passages between reefs
  • •Habu pit vipers on land, don't walk barefoot in vegetation

Local Tips

  • •The outer reef breaks require a boat, hire locally from the fishing port
  • •Kabira Bay (protected from surfing) is one of Japan's most beautiful, glass-bottom boats only
  • •Iriomote Island (nearby) has extraordinary jungle and mangrove, day trip by ferry

Location

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

24.3667, 124.1333