Suicide Cliffs (Itoman)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Mixed, Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Suicide Cliffs (Suicides/Komesu) is an exposed reef break on the Itoman coastline in southern Okinawa, known for very consistent waves that can work year-round. The spot is tide sensitive because the reef is shallow near shore, making timing critical—mid to high tide is strongly preferred, and low-tide surfing is commonly restricted due to dangerously exposed reef. For surfing, the break is described as producing both lefts and rights with a peeling wave character and good overall quality when conditions line up. Optimal swells are typically from the south/southwest/west, and reported working swell height is around 1.0 to 2.5 meters. Wind from the North or Northeast is generally offshore and helps conditions, while winds from the south can make the surface choppy and less favorable. Safety is a major consideration at Suicide Cliffs. The shoreline and entry involve sharp reef/coral and sea urchins, with additional hazards reported including rips/strong currents and (occasionally) sharks. Currents can intensify during larger south swells, and slippery access surfaces can increase the risk near the entry—so cautious footing and careful tide checks are essential. Recommended approach centers on planning around tide charts and using protective gear such as booties (and typically a wetsuit) plus a leash. A spring-tide window and mid-to-high tide sessions are mentioned in local guidance, and seasonal typhoon conditions are flagged as a period when flooding and fast-changing conditions can occur. Rescue/lifeguard coverage is reported as none on-site, so having an emergency plan and staying alert to current build-up is important.

  • Consistent exposed reef waves year-round
  • Best with offshore North/Northeast winds and south/southwest swell
  • Strong emphasis on tide timing for safe reef depth
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Very consistent exposed reef break that works around the year.
  • Handles both lefts and rights.
  • Offshore northerly winds generally improve conditions.
  • Receives southerly/southwesterly swell for optimal surfing windows.
Heads up
  • Highly tide sensitive: reef becomes dangerously shallow at low tide.
  • Reef and access hazards (sharp coral/urchins, shallow reef, slippery entry surfaces).
  • Rips/strong currents can build, especially with larger swells.
  • No on-site lifeguards or dedicated rescue reported.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NE, NNE
Offshore directions
N, NNE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Reported offshore/northerly conditions are most suitable for surfing; winter monsoon patterns (North/Northeast) support offshore wind more often.
Reliability
medium
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Gustiness described as light.
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February, March, April
Shadow Zones
Cliffs provide some protection from northerly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed, Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks — Rocks/reef terrain.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Also described as medium depending on swell.
Chop Level
Light chop — Can become choppy/blown out with south winds.
Launch
Small — Rocky entry point via Komesu Beach; described as requiring a paddle across the reef flat.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
20–29 °C
Water Temperature
14–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Apr: 3/2mm full suit (winter)Jun–Sep: rash guard or shorty (summer)
Crowds by Season

Can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, especially when swell is good.

Storm/Rain Season

Typhoon season typically runs from June to October; typhoons are specifically mentioned as bringing rapid flooding.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with lefts and rights; shallow water near shore and reef hazards require care, especially on smaller tides.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SW, W
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
High — Mid to high tide recommended; one source notes a spring-tide window and warns against low-tide surfing.
Shelter
Exposed — Described as exposed.
Wind Effect
North/Northeast winds are offshore and suit the spot; South winds can make conditions choppy and blown out.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well but can become heavy with strong currents.
Wave Quality
Good — Reported good wave quality.
Wave Power
Moderate — Wave power described as moderate; also described as very consistent overall.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling pattern reported.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling wave progression described as medium.
Ride Length
Short — Also described as short overall; rides can extend depending on tide/swell.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Rides are described as ranging roughly from 50 to 100 meters depending on swell direction and tide (typical ride length reported around 75 meters).
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Suicide Cliffs (Itoman) in the full forecast view.

Suicide Cliffs (Itoman) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–24 ktsGusts 41 kts
Direction
E90°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2424 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–4.7 m8s period
Temperature
23–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Suicide Cliffs (Itoman) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–24 kts, peaking around 24 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.9–4.7 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
  • urchins
  • rips
  • sharks
  • sharp reef
  • strong currents
  • shallow water at low tide
  • slippery access surfaces
  • WWII memorial cliff terrain
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsWetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard presence reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated on-site rescue reported for most beach areas.
Emergency Info
No dedicated on-site rescue is reported. Emergency services are reachable at 119; nearest major medical facilities are in Itoman City or Naha.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Described as popular and having local-rider presence.

Rules of the spot

Respect standard surfing etiquette; avoid surfing when the reef is dangerously shallow.

Restrictions
  • Do not surf at low tide due to exposed reef.
  • Be cautious of typhoons; flooding can occur rapidly.
Local Tips
  • Only surf during mid to high tide; the reef becomes dangerously shallow very quickly.
  • Watch footing on the paved access path (reported slippery).
  • A spring-tide window is recommended for trying the point.
  • Check tide charts carefully—this spot is described as very tide sensitive.
  • Strong rip currents can develop, especially during larger swells.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Itoman
Nearest Town
Itoman
Nearest Airport
Naha Airport (OKA)
Parking
Public parking is available near the entrance to Komesu Beach; parking near the point/sign and using the designated parking area is mentioned.
Public Transport
Public bus services connect Itoman to Naha, but reaching coastal areas with equipment is most practical by rental car or taxi.
Access
Accessible via Highway 331; follow signs for Cape Komesu or the Peace Memorial Park area. Parking is available near the entrance to Komesu Beach; access is described as a paved concrete road/path leading to a rocky entry point.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Japanese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation is available in Itoman and Naha.
Food & Drink
Small shops and cafes are located in Itoman; limited options directly at the beach.
Equipment Rental:
Rental gear is available through shops in Naha and central Itoman (regional context).
Gear Storage
Gear storage is described as primarily offered by local schools for their members or students (regional context).
Gear Repair
Surf shops in Naha offer board repair services.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Itoman area is closely tied to Okinawa’s history and coastal marine setting, with memorials and reef-based activities nearby.

Best time to visit: Autumn through early spring provides a strong balance of wind and comfortable temperatures for sports.
Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Park2km

A park dedicated to the victims of the Battle of Okinawa, featuring monuments and a museum.

Southern Okinawa coastline

Coastal scenery and access to southern Okinawa sightseeing routes.

Himeyuri Peace Museum3km

A museum documenting the history of the Himeyuri students during the war.

Snorkeling and Diving1km

Southern reefs offer diverse marine life accessible from various points along the coast.

Itoman Fish Market (Michi-no-Eki Itoman)6km

A local market offering fresh seafood and Okinawan cuisine.

Okinawaworld10km

A theme park featuring a massive limestone cave and traditional Okinawan craft villages.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Suicide Cliffs (Itoman)?

The best overall months at Suicide Cliffs (Itoman) are January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Suicide Cliffs (Itoman)?

Suicide Cliffs (Itoman) works with N, NE, NNE winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE.

What skill level is Suicide Cliffs (Itoman) suitable for?

Suicide Cliffs (Itoman) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.