Rocky Point 4
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Rocky Point 4 is a remote, exposed reef break in Northern Okinawa (Kunigami) that relies heavily on winter swell. It’s described as producing short, intense rides with left-hand emphasis and better rights, but the working wave sections are typically punchy and end quickly as the reef becomes very shallow. Conditions are generally most consistent in winter, with February highlighted as a best month. Wind plays a major role: when winds come from the southwest (offshore for the described setup), they can help clean up the surf, but cross-onshore winds can frequently blow conditions out. Overall wave quality is described as poor and very finicky, so sessions often hinge on finding the right wind/tide window. The reef and entry are serious parts of the challenge. Hazards include sharp coral and sharks, alongside rocks and shallow water over the reef. Strong tidal currents and occasional rip currents near reef passes are noted, and because it is a remote location with limited services, riders should bring what they’ll need for the session and plan carefully. Crowd levels are relatively low: it’s described as having few surfers even on good days. Tips repeatedly emphasize timing—Okinawa reef breaks can be extremely sharp and shallow, and many spots only work within a narrow window around high tide—so an incoming mid-tide is specifically suggested to reduce the risk of striking the reef.
- Best surf window in winter, especially February
- Exposed reef break with lefts plus better rights
- Offshore southwest winds can help clean up waves
- Low crowd levels
- Exposed reef break with consistent winter swell presence
- Offshore wind can help clean up the wave
- Relatively few surfers even on good days
- Very sharp, shallow reef with coral hazards
- Remote setup with limited services
- Wind is highly sensitive; cross-onshore winds can blow conditions out
- Short rides; can become heavy and close out on big northern swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, NW
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Winter monsoon / frontal influence; wind patterns described as frontal in seasonal conditions.
- Reliability
- Moderate during winter monsoon season; frequently sensitive/finicky.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rocks coastline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium surf described.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline requiring careful entry through the reef.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Careful entry through the reef; obstacles and shallow sections make setup challenging.
Through the year
Relatively few surfers even on good days; generally very low crowd levels due to remoteness and finicky conditions.
Typhoon season typically runs from June to October.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with lefts plus better rights; produces short, intense rides during winter swell, with very shallow, sharp reef underneath.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE, NNE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Incoming mid-tide preferred to reduce risk of striking the reef.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore help can clean up waves (southwest offshore described). Conditions are highly sensitive to wind; cross-onshore winds frequently blow out the surf.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out on massive northern swells.
- Wave Quality
- Poor — Wave quality described as poor overall (likely due to reef shallowness and wind sensitivity).
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Described as moderate; can get heavy and close out on larger north swells.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling reef break; typically short, punchy sections.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short, intense rides that become very shallow after the punchy section.
- Ride Length Details
- Typical Okinawan reef-break feel: relatively short and punchy before reaching very shallow water.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rocky Point 4 in the full forecast view.
Rocky Point 4 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–21 ktsGusts 41 kts
- Direction
- ENE65°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2421 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–3.9 m8s period
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Rocky Point 4 is forecast for daytime winds of 6–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.3–3.9 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Coral
- Sharp coral reef
- Sharks
- Strong tidal currents
- Occasional rip currents near reef passes
- Shallow water
- Remote location
- Rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-water rescue services reported; general emergency access via 119.
- Emergency Info
- Medical services are limited in the Kunigami area; nearest major hospital is in Nago City. Emergency services: 119.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Spot described as visited by dedicated local surfers; mild localism noted.
Rules of the spot
Respect local reef etiquette where applicable; pay extra attention to swimmers/surfers near shallow reef areas and remote sections.
- No lifeguard coverage.
- Plan around limited workable window near tide due to very shallow reef.
- Take care around the coral reef.
- Best surfed on an incoming mid-tide to avoid hitting the reef.
- Reef breaks in Okinawa can be extremely sharp and shallow; many spots only work roughly a couple of hours either side of high tide.
- The spot is remote with very few services nearby—bring all necessary supplies.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Nago
- Nearest Town
- Kunigami
- Nearest Airport
- Naha Airport (OKA)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking; do not block access for local residents or emergency vehicles.
- Public Transport
- Limited; Yanbaru Express Bus connects to Naha, but a rental car is essential for coastal access.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Guesthouses and small campsites are available in the wider Kunigami area.
- Food & Drink
- Minimal options nearby; most facilities are located in the main Kunigami town center several kilometers away.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited locally; most rental services are based in Nago or central Okinawa.
- Gear Storage
- Not generally available; riders typically store gear in personal or rental vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Major repairs require transport to Naha or central Okinawa shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Kunigami sits at the northern tip of Okinawa Island and is known for rugged nature, coastal scenery, and outdoor touring in the Yanbaru region, with tourism that feels quieter than the south.
The northernmost point of Okinawa Island, offering dramatic limestone cliffs and ocean views.
A sacred site featuring ancient karst formations and trekking trails with spiritual significance.
Exploration of the ‘Galapagos of the East,’ home to endemic species like the Okinawa Rail.
Local food hub offering regional specialties and fresh Okinawa produce.
One of the world's largest aquariums, located in the nearby Motobu peninsula.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Rocky Point 4?
The best overall months at Rocky Point 4 are January, February, March, December. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Rocky Point 4?
Rocky Point 4 works with N, NE, NW winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What skill level is Rocky Point 4 suitable for?
Rocky Point 4 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.