Job Discussion Forums

Eric · Joined: 08 Apr 2004 Posts: 44 Location: Hawaii

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone knows what the surfing conditions are like in Chiba ken? Is there a specific surf season or can you go year round with a wetsuit? I surf alot here in Hawaii, so maybe I am spoiled and shouldn't bring my board if its a hassle. Also, is it possible to transport a 7 foot surfboard on a train.

Thanks,
Eric

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

You can surf all year round in Chiba, but you will need a very good wetsuit. I went surfing in March, well I tried surfing anyway. The water was very cold, but bearable.

I'm not sure which places are accessable by train. I surfed in Kujukuri and a friends car and board were necessary.

The surf conditions are probably comparable to California or Montauk Point NY.

Have a good time.

J-kun · Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 2:09 am Post subject:

You'll probably be pretty disappointed by Chiba beaches coming from Hawaii. The waves are usually small and the sand and water are quite dirty. From what I've seen (and heard from Japanese surfer friends) conditions are definitely not comparable to California(I'm from there), except in terms of water temperature, which is about the same as the central-coast of CA. You'll need a wetsuit of some kind for most of the year.
I see guys with surfboards on the train all the time, so that shouldn't be a problem, but l don't know either if there are decent beaches you can get to by train. I would guess that there are though as the train service here is really extensive.
If you want to surf in Japan, I've heard Miyazaki and Kagoshima, on Kyushu, are the places to be.

Speed · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Shikoku Land

Also check out Kochi and Tokushima on Shikoku.
Spent 4 years surfing some good swells with just a few
people out.

Generally surf in Japan is best during typhoon season.
It runs from about July till the end of October.

Surf is similar to the east coast of the US, where it's really
good (esp. after a typhoon) or completely flat. Very short-
term swells.

If you're in Chiba, it'll probably be worth bringing your board.
There's lot's of places to surf (even if it isn't Hawaii) and the
price of boards here are outrageous!! $1,000 for boards and
$200-300 for spring suits.