Rocky Point 4

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed reef break with consistent winter swell presence
  • Offshore wind can help clean up the wave
  • Relatively few surfers even on good days
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
16–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 5/3mm or 3/2mmApr–Nov: shortyJun–Sep: rashguards
Crowds by Season

Relatively few surfers even on good days; generally very low crowd levels due to remoteness and finicky conditions.

Storm/Rain Season

Typhoon season typically runs from June to October.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with lefts plus better rights; produces short, intense rides during winter swell, with very shallow, sharp reef underneath.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsImpact vestWetsuit

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.

Restrictions
  • No lifeguard coverage.
  • Plan around limited workable window near tide due to very shallow reef.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Cape Hedo10–20 km

The northernmost point of Okinawa Island, offering dramatic limestone cliffs and ocean views.

Daisekirinzan15 km

A sacred site featuring ancient karst formations and trekking trails with spiritual significance.

Yanbaru National Park Hiking5–15 km

Exploration of the ‘Galapagos of the East,’ home to endemic species like the Okinawa Rail.

Kunigami Village Roadside Station (Yuiyui Kunigami)10 km

Local food hub offering regional specialties and fresh Okinawa produce.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium45 km

One of the world's largest aquariums, located in the nearby Motobu peninsula.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.