As we have now entered the 2nd half of August Hokkaido local people all say the same thing…’Summer is over’. Hopefully it isn’t the case this year. Getting in quality beach time here in Hokkaido can be a challenge due to the rocky coastline and pervasive washed up rubbish ( this was the case before the 2011 Tsunami BTW ). For those blessed with persistence there are a handful of great spots within and hours drive of Niseko.
Surfing has it’s own unique challenges here – knowing where to go and when is tricky. Perfect waves do it Hokkaido throughout the year but putting yourself in the right place at the right time takes some serious commitment, knowledge of the local weather patterns and geography as well as a selection of wetsuits from thick to thin and a few friends with the same passion for beautiful waves.
The video below was shot yesterday on the Pacific side about 3 hours south of Niseko at Shikabe known for it’s point break. All the surfers were still wearing full wetsuits. Summer…whatever.We’ll keep searching for those fabled perfect waves.
Longboarders rule the tiny waves
Hokkaido Cold Water Surfing, 16 August 2015 from Glen Claydon Photography on Vimeo.
Local knowlegde
