Buma
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Buma is a sheltered reef point break on the east coast of Okinawa near Nago. It’s described as a spot that only works occasionally and depends heavily on specific swell-and-wind alignment, especially a northern swell wrapping into the bay. For surfing, the best swell direction is North, and the most rideable wind direction is typically northeast. One provider also describes Buma as a right-hand wave, with a medium-to-moderate wave character that can turn into messy conditions if the wind becomes too strong from the east. When the swell is large enough to wrap around the point, longer rides are reported. The spot is associated with clear-but-risky reef terrain: sharp coral reef and rocks are specifically mentioned, and hazards also include sharks. Currents near the river mouth can become strong after heavy rain, and shallow reef sections are a particular concern—especially at lower tides. Seasonally, December is highlighted as the top month by a surf-forecast database, with winter northern swells generally described as the most consistent time for getting working conditions. Winter water temperatures are around the low 20s °C, so a full wetsuit and reef-safe protection are commonly expected for comfort and safety.
- Sheltered point-break that favors northern swell wrapping into the bay
- Right-hand reef wave character when it lines up
- Clean water quality, but reef hazards are significant
- Sheltered point-break setting when northern swell wraps into the bay
- Potential for rewarding rides when swell and wind align
- Generally clean water quality
- Inconsistent / only works occasionally
- Sharp reef hazards (coral and rocks) plus shallow-water sections
- Strong currents can occur near the river mouth after heavy rain
- Wind reliability is reported as low/inconsistent
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Offshore directions
- W, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — One provider classifies winds as frontal; another baseline emphasizes a winter monsoon NE/N regime in October–March.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported by one provider; another database indicates inconsistent winds.
- Best Months
- December, January, February
- Shadow Zones
- The bay setting provides some shelter from stronger winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with reef influence around the break.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small wave conditions are reported; can improve significantly with a northern swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access leading to a point break; requires a short walk from the parking area to the water.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate.
Through the year
Usually quiet, with a small local crowd possible when winter conditions are good.
Typhoon season typically runs from June to October; typhoon peaks from July to October (regional).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Sheltered point break on the east coast of Okinawa near Nago, breaking over reef. It is described as only working once in a while, with performance depending strongly on northern swell wrapping into the bay.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- N
- Swell Height
- 1.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide preferred.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Bay shelter is noted; one provider also characterizes it as semi-sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Northeast winds are often cited as rideable due to point orientation; one provider notes offshore conditions in west or southwest winds, and warns that east winds can make the wave messy if too strong.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold larger swells but may become messy if the wind is too strong from the east.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Quality described as average and sometimes inconsistent.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power reported; may hold larger swells if conditions suit.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling wave shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling right-hand wave with medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length described as medium; another provider reports long rides when swell and wind line up.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can offer a decent ride when the swell is large enough to wrap around the point; long rides are reported during favorable swell conditions.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Buma in the full forecast view.
Buma wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–20 ktsGusts 42 kts
- Direction
- E83°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2420 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.9 m7s period
- Temperature
- 22–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Buma is forecast for daytime winds of 4–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 42 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.3–1.9 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Sharks
- Sharp coral reef
- Coral
- Rocks and debris near the river mouth
- River mouth currents (can be strong after heavy rain)
- Shallow water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited in the region; specific spot rescue is not indicated.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number 119 applies for fire and ambulance; emergency services can be reached at 119. Japan Coast Guard / local maritime authorities provide rescue support; rescue availability is limited. Nearest major hospital is in Nago City.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — One provider flags a moderate localism level; also noted is a quiet area with etiquette around launches and fisherman awareness.
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers and the quiet nature of the surrounding area.
- Avoid conditions when wind/swell alignment deteriorates (reef point can get messy).
- The spot only works occasionally and needs specific swell conditions.
- Watch out for shallow reef sections, especially at lower tides.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Nago
- Nearest Town
- Kushi
- Nearest Airport
- Naha Airport (OKA)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or small unofficial dirt pull-offs near the coast.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via Yanbaru Express Bus and Highway Bus services from Naha.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Small guesthouses and pensions are available in the Nago and Henoko areas.
- Food & Drink
- Local convenience stores and small eateries are located along Route 329.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local schools and mobile operators serving the Nago Bay area (regional).
- Gear Storage
- Limited specialized gear storage is available primarily through private clubs and schools (regional).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Buma?
The best overall months at Buma are December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Buma?
Buma works with NE winds. Offshore directions are W, SW.
What skill level is Buma suitable for?
Buma suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.