Check out the latest edit from from Adam Norris, No Place Like Home featuring the likes of Reubyn and Joss Ash, Stan Norman, Malakai Hagley, and Jobe Harriss and they blaze through North Cornwall.
Wavey season is upon us, hit play and dig in.
Filming: @offshoresphoto
Kengoria Surf Academy
Located in Miyazaki, on the beautiful island of Kyushu in South West Japan, Kengoria Surf Academy has been delivering exceptional surfing experiences for 11 years. Founded by Kengo Nakasako, a prominent Waterman and professional surfer within Japan’s big wave community, Kengoria benefits from Kengo’s extensive local knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for the area. He’s always eager to share the beauty and fun of Miyazaki with newcomers!
About Miyazaki
Operating primarily at Aoshima, a renowned beach featuring a picturesque small island with a vibrant shrine set against a subtropical jungle backdrop, Aoshima town mixes rich Japanese culture with a laid-back island vibe. The area offers an array of restaurants, hotels, hot springs (onsen), and activities. Conveniently located just 20 minutes south of Miyazaki Airport and the train station, it’s a uniquely accessible spot that feels unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Just a short drive from Aoshima, you’ll find the stunning Nichinan coastline, known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches, perfect for exploring and surfing. Cape Toi, located further along the coast, offers breathtaking views and is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities. Both locations are ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Miyazaki while enjoying a variety of surf spots.
Miyazaki is one of the most popular surfing areas in Japan, along with Chiba and Shonan. All are home to some great waves however none can compare to the rich mixture of culture and surfing that Miyazaki has to offer. This is why it has hosted the ISA world surfing games, WSL QS events and many more.
Surfing Season
Summer kicks off in June, bringing long sunny days and consistent waves, while the typhoon season starts in late August and runs through November, bringing bigger swells. The jagged coastline of Miyazaki boasts numerous surf spots, from long beaches to point breaks and river mouths, catering to all skill levels. With water temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C, peaking in August, board shorts and rash vests are essential! However, from October to November, you might want to wear a short wetsuit for longer sessions because of the cooler air temperatures.
Kengoria Academy Experience
For the best surfing experience in Miyazaki, our private surf guide package is the way to go. Kengo or another skilled team member will choose the best surf spot of the day based on conditions and your skill level. This package includes transportation and the chance to enjoy delicious local cuisine, including famous Miyazaki dishes like chicken nanban and fresh seafood.
Having a local guide who speaks Japanese can be incredibly helpful, as it allows for better communication and understanding of local customs and etiquette. At Kengoria, our staff is fluent in both English and Japanese, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the water.
While the surfing community is extremely friendly, there are specific etiquette rules at certain spots, so having a local guide is invaluable. With a variety of surf spots close together, you’ll enjoy less crowded waves and more time catching waves. Our team can also provide professional photos or videos of your surf session, creating lasting memories of your fantastic day!
What Kengoria Offers
• Lessons supervised by a Level 2 ISA coach
• A selection of surfboards to choose from
• Local expertise in selecting the best surf spots each day
• Assistance with hotel and car arrangements
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off for your convenience
Join us at Kengoria Surf Academy and experience the thrill of surfing in one of Japan’s most beautiful locations!
Check out our website and contact us for any inquiries.
Gearoid McDaid’s 2023/24 season has been a rollercoaster. After recovering from a major injury, he made a strong comeback with a second-place finish at the European Championships. However, the following months brought mixed results, testing his resilience. In 2024, Gman surfed some of his best waves of his life at Mullaghmore but suffered a setback with a serious shin injury. Despite this, he remains determined, using his recovery time to rebuild and return stronger for the next winter season.
Life is a roller coaster! An interview with G Man. Film by Clem McInerney.
What were your plans for the 23/24 season?
My main goals were to catch as many good waves as possible and try to qualify for the Olympics. I was fired up after a tough year with injuries, but although the winter wasn’t great, there were still some standout moments.
Do you set goals or take things as they come?
I definitely set goals—qualifying for the Olympics and pushing myself in bigger waves. Balancing competition prep and chasing slabs at the same time is tough, so I had to adjust based on the conditions.
How were you feeling going into the 23/24 season compared to the previous year?
I felt much better this time around. The year before, a hip tear slowed me down, but it also pushed me to focus on strength training. Unfortunately, I got injured again, but it was just bad luck.
What were your highlights?
Coming 2nd in the European Surfing Championships and those special sessions at Riley’s, just me and Conor Maguire. Towing each other into bombs with no one else around was unbeatable.
What were your low points?
Losing in the Olympic qualifier after starting strong. The forecast turned bad, and I struggled in sloppy waves. Now, my leg injury has been the biggest setback, but I’m hoping to be back for the winter swells.
How did you feel after the injury?
It hit me hard at first—I was worried I’d miss the whole winter. Luckily, it doesn’t seem as bad, and I’m hopeful to be back soon.
What’s next, and what have you learned from this?
I’m learning to take things as they come and enjoy life outside of surfing, like playing golf. It’s been a fun summer of golf and cruising, which has helped me slow down a bit.
It just goes to show, that local knowledge is everything, even Nate Florence has to pay to play every now and then. In his very own words “They call me nosedive Nate now.” Props and respect to all the local crew out there, surfers and boogie tribes showing how it’s done.
More action from one of the best days of the year so far at the reef, pretty sure there was a fair few sick days called in. But oh my days was it worth it.
With a powerful long-range swell hitting the UK last week, lighting up this Cornish stretch of reef, this and many other spots were firing.
Footage: Sonny Timson / Eye In The Sky. @eye_in_the_sky___
Surfers: Lukas Skinner, Harry Timson, Luke Dillon & More!
