Photo By Cpl. J Nava | Local surfers catch waves at the Sunabe Seawall in Chatan Town, Okinawa, Japan, July...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - From the thrill of trying to catch a large wave or just riding the shallow white water near the shore, surfing can offer something for everyone.
As one of several water-based activities available to service members and military family members on Okinawa, surfing offers a great alternative to scuba and snorkeling.
The island's many beaches feature waves of varying degrees offering fun and excitement to surfers of all levels of expertise.
"Okinawa is a great place to surf," said Scott Ellison, a surf enthusiast and owner of surf shop in Chatan Town, Okinawa, Japan. "You can pretty much catch a wave anywhere just as long as the swells are good."
To begin a day of surfing, you are going to have to start off by finding a spot with good waves.
The size of the waves depends on the wind direction and speed.
Ellison recommends either magicseaweed.com or surfline.com to get the latest surf reports and forecasts on Okinawa, in order to pick the best spot for the particular day you want to surf.
"I like to pick different spots to surf depending on my mood," said Cpl. John F. Hoffman, a small arms repair technician assigned to the Staff Non-commissioned Officer Academy. "I really have a love for the water here."
The next thing would be to rent or buy a surfboard, which can be accomplished at several of the surf shops located throughout Okinawa.
The quality and size of the board are what you should factor in when making your purchase. Short boards are usually for more experienced surfers, designed for quicker maneuvering while long boards are able to provide more stability for less experienced surfers.
Apart from renting out and selling boards, the surf shops also offer surfing lessons to help less experienced surfers overcome the learning curve.
From beginner to expert, surfing the Okinawan waves may be difficult at first but after a few wipe outs, it's a sport that can be fulfilling.
"It kind of sucks when you first start out because it is pretty tough," said Keito Kishimoto, a local surfer. "But if you keep at it, you'll soon become better and it becomes very fun. It is definitely worth it to stick it out."
Although surfing is, at most times, lighthearted and fun, there are certain dangers to look out for while in the water.
Under the wrong set of conditions, anything a surfer comes into contact with is potentially dangerous, including sand bars, rocks, reefs, surfboards, and other surfers. Collisions with these objects can sometimes cause unconsciousness, or death.
Also, due to a wave's rolling motion, surfers that get caught under a large wave after it breaks can be held underwater for a prolonged period of time.
The heavy water crashing down on you repeatedly can cause disorientation and sometimes panic in some individuals.
According to the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan Liberty Campaign Order, sea conditions are put in place during elevated sea states to warn people of the danger. Under sea condition "caution," water enthusiasts should exercise caution when entering the water. Sea condition "warning," means dangerous sea conditions exist and extreme caution should be taken. Under sea condition "red," the ocean is too dangerous to enter. Status of Forces Agreement personnel are prohibited from entering the water during this condition.
The order also states that all personnel must have a buddy when participating in water activities.
Safety is the reason that the order also requires surfers to wear a leash attached to their board.
| Date Taken: | 08.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2009 23:47 |
| Story ID: | 37958 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 304 |
| Downloads: | 150 |
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