The Surf Window

Shida

Shizuoka, Japan

Beach breakIntermediate

A quality beach break on Japan's Izu Peninsula facing the open Pacific, Shida receives clean, powerful south swells from the Kuroshio Current and has some of Japan's best shaped waves outside of Chiba Prefecture.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

NW

Offshore

Tide

Any

LowMidHigh

Season

September–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Solid, punchy beach break peaks, can be hollow and well-formed on quality south swells

Length

40–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The beach break has real power on typhoon-generated swells, requiring ocean experience and tactical wave selection.

Hazards

  • •Strong rip currents
  • •Cold water in winter (14–16°C, full wetsuit required October–April)
  • •Typhoon swells can produce unexpected size increases

Local Tips

  • •The Izu Peninsula is a beautiful drive from Tokyo, the coastline has excellent hot springs (onsen) for après-surf recovery.
  • •Shida performs best in September and October when clean typhoon groundswells arrive with light offshores.

Location

Map showing the location of Shida in Shizuoka, Japan

34.8758, 138.5281