Surfing in Japan as a Foreigner: Can you blend in?

Surfing in Japan as a foreigner can feel intimidating at first. Not only are you in Japan, the land of the unspoken rules, where every mistakes count and will be remembered, but you are also attempting to surf, one the most difficult sport, and infamous for having higlhy protective and unfriendly locals. So do you think you can blend in as a foreigner? Well I have tried for you :)

Can a foreigner actually blend in?

It sounds like a simple question, but in a country where standing out as a foreigner is unavoidable, this can feel difficult, especially doing a sport that has a ton of unspoken rules and etiquettes. I have been surfing in Japan since 2022 so I get to experiment this question a lot. My approach to this has always been the same: I am not pretending to be Japanese obviously, but I am just trying to do everything right, follow the rythm and adapt to my environment. Locals have been calling this place home and been surfing this spot for decades, it is definitely not their job to adapt to me.

That day we were in Shidashita Beach, one of the most famous surf spot in Chiba. This spot is home to Japan’s Olympic surf break, aggressive mid-lengths, and at least one vending machine that sells Pocari Sweat colder than ice. I really love this spot because it has one of the most consistent surf throughout the year, and there is a very friendly surf rental shop called Tany surf, owned by a Japanese guy that speaks good English, and he always let me park my car for free.

The waves were waist-high and glassy. Not the biggest waves, but the conditions were really good with mostly offshore wind and long periods. The lineup had a healthy mix of locals and Tokyo weekend warriors. The mood was very light and seemingly friendly. There was a mix of advanced and beginner surfers, and a whole gang of body surfers.

The "Blend-in" Experiment

If you are wondering who is this guy standing out with an orange GoPro sticking out of its mouth that prevents him from breathing properly, and surrounded by a bunch of Japanese local surfers? Yes, that's me. Obviously, I always get the looks from all the locals as I am usually the only one with a GoPro mouth mount in the lineup. But to be honest, most of the looks are usually out of curiosity rather than unfriendly.

But the key here is that I always show respect and always make the first steps: whenever I pass by a local surfer and make eye contact, I always nod at them and display a shy smile, to show them that I am respectful and friendly. This is usually all it takes to be accepted, or at least, it has always worked for me so far. Then, make sure to know some of the basics surf etiquettes/rules to avoid dropping in on someone for example. However, if you do happen to make a mistake, ALWAYS take the time to apologize. Whether you flex your ultimate Japanese and throw a "Sumimasen" or "Gomennasai", or simply make a hand sign to show respect and acknowledge your mistake, this is a crucial step to not get into the heat of an angry Japanese surfer. And like everywhere in the world, there will always be the angry local guy in the spot, so make sure you either apologize or avoid droping in on this guy.

The highlight of the session, and of the blend-in experiment, was definitely this local body surfer. We were paddling for waves next to each other for a good 45 minutes to an hour, and started to smile and cheering each other whenever one was attempting to catch a wave.

I really love when this kind of things happen. It is such a cool moment to share with local surfers, and this is the ultimate proof that you have been accepted in the lineup. And again, this usually hapens because I made the first step and try to do everything right. I showed respect, nodded and smiled, so they understand that I am just here to have fun and be in harmony with them.

So... Can you blend in?

Honestly? Not entirely, or maybe not at first. I think it all depends on your attitude and intentions.

Like everywhere in the world, you do not just step in the house of a stranger, open their fridge and grab whatever comes at you that looks yummy. No, you ask for permission to enter, you remove your shoes and you follow the flow of your host. That is the same with surfing in Japan. As long as you show respect and follow the rythm, not only will you blend in, but you will belong, or at least, you will be tolerated. And in Japan, it is pretty much the same thing.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post about Japan Surf Festival 2024.

Stay tuned for more to come and in the meantime, feel free to check out my youtube video if you want to see more of the experiment:

Watch the full video