Shizunami (Suruga Bay)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Shizunami (Suruga Bay) is a well-known coastal beach and breakwater/jetty surf location on the Makinohara coast, with clean water and sand underfoot. Surf is described as highly consistent, often offering right-hand waves that peel/hold well for small-to-medium sizes and can maintain quality as swell builds—though very large typhoon swells may start to close out. Rides are commonly reported as short to normal length (roughly 50–150m), and it is stated to work on all tides. For surfing, conditions are generally shaped by offshore/onshore wind direction. North and northwest winds are said to groom the waves, while NE winds can add chop. The break is exposed, so wind and swell combinations matter; breakwater and jetty features help form the wave, but the same coastal structures create navigating hazards (including jetties/tetrapods/concrete features). The most favored swell directions are South, South-East, and East, and working swell height is commonly given around 0.5m up to about 2.0m. Kitesurfing is reported as most seasonal, with NE winds in winter being the key pattern. The beach is described as having ample space for setup, but riders must route around jetties and other beach structures along the launch area. Typical kite sizing for the NE-wind window is commonly stated around 9–12m, with intermediate-level riders generally better equipped for the combination of wind and obstacles. Safety-wise, the dominant caution is localism, particularly at crowded times. Rules and enforcement can also be more specific during summer peak periods, with designated swimming/surf zones and restricted riding in those areas. Rescue availability is described as limited overall, with seasonal lifeguards mentioned for July and August, so plan accordingly and keep clear margins around breakwater/jetty hazards.
- Consistent right-hand waves with a breakwater/jetty character
- Works across all tides
- Winter NE winds support kitesurfing
- Immediate access from nearby parking; car recommended
- Very consistent surf described for the region, including right-hand waves.
- Sandy bottom and easy beach access.
- Kitesurfing possible in winter with NE winds.
- Localism hazard, especially when crowds build.
- Breakwater/jetty obstacles (jetties, tetrapods, moles) can create hazards for launch and navigation.
- Weekends are commonly crowded.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, N, NW, W
- Offshore directions
- N, NW, W
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Winter wind described as strong northwesterly gradient; summer may include occasional sea-breeze/thermal influence.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium in another dataset.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — NE winds are described as causing chop for surfing.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample room for kite/sport setup, with restricted sections around jetties/tetrapods.
Through the year
Extremely crowded during summer weekends and public holidays; quieter in winter.
June (rainy season) and August to October (typhoon season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A popular winter option when NE winds prevail; plenty of beach space for launching but riders must manage obstacles such as jetties and other structures.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Reported as good for bump-and-jump and wave sailing on stronger wind days; wide beach allows for easier entry.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling, especially in cross-shore winds; sandy bottom is described as good for learning but depth near jetties should be watched.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Highly consistent right-hand waves off breakwater/jetty features, producing fast, hollow/peeling sections on sand bottom around sandbars.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE, E
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works on all tides (rising and falling noted).
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coastal break with breakwater/jetty features shaping the wave; the surrounding setup means wind and swell can be significant.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the N and NW are said to groom waves; NE winds can cause chop; another note says winds can be cross-shore or offshore depending on direction.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up well to around 2 meters, but can start to close out on massive typhoon swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as regional classic / very consistent.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Also described as moderate power in another dataset.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Also described as peeling in another dataset.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Also described as medium peel speed in another dataset.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical ride length commonly described as short to medium, with ~50-150m also reported.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides often short to medium, though can connect for longer runs on significant SE swells; typical good runs reported around 50-150m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Shizunami (Suruga Bay) in the full forecast view.
Shizunami (Suruga Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- N355°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2716 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 15–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Shizunami (Suruga Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.5–1.7 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
- Localism
- Wave breaker
- Mole
- Concrete breakwaters
- Jetties
- Tetrapods
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards are mentioned for July and August; rescue availability overall is limited.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Makinohara City Hospital is noted as the nearest major medical facility. Japan’s standard emergency system applies (119).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism is repeatedly noted as a hazard.
Rules of the spot
Be mindful of local surfers; in summer, specific zones for surfing and swimming are often enforced.
- No riding in designated swimming areas in summer.
- Parking may be restricted to designated lots during peak periods.
- Respect local surfers; localism can be an issue at crowded peaks.
- Check the jetties for the best sandbars which shift after storms.
- Weekends tend to be crowded.
- For kitesurfing, navigate around jetties and other beach obstacles.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Makinohara, Shizuoka
- Nearest Town
- Makinohara
- Nearest Airport
- Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport (FSZ)
- Parking
- Parking available near beach; extensive parking lots behind the beach are mentioned (some charge fees during summer season).
- Public Transport
- Bus services connect to JR Shimada and JR Kanaya stations; car rental recommended.
- Access
- Instant access (<5 min) from parking is mentioned; no street signs—buy a map at a convenience store or email for directions. Car recommended.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Japanese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous minshuku (guesthouses), hotels, and surf lodges are within walking distance of the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Various cafes, seafood restaurants, and convenience stores line the coastal road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available at multiple surf shops in the immediate vicinity.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage offered by some local surf shops; the surf stadium may offer lockers or temporary storage.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repair services available at local shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region blends Japanese agricultural heritage (tea) with a surf-town atmosphere along the Suruga Bay coastline.
One of Japan’s largest tea-growing regions with extensive scenic plateau views.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Shizunami (Suruga Bay)?
The best overall months at Shizunami (Suruga Bay) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Shizunami (Suruga Bay)?
Shizunami (Suruga Bay) works with NE, N, NW, W winds. Offshore directions are N, NW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Shizunami (Suruga Bay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Shizunami (Suruga Bay): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Shizunami (Suruga Bay) suitable for?
Shizunami (Suruga Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.