Saroj SurkhetiBeginner’s surfing guide to Shonan Enoshima, Japan — lessons, tips, and my first wave experience with Mt. Fuji views in Kanagawa.
Back home, far away from the coast, the ocean only existed in pictures, videos, and TV shows. I’d watch people sprawled out on golden sand, playing volleyball, splashing in the surf, or riding waves like it was second nature. It felt like another world — one I could only visit in my imagination.
I used to tell myself, “If I ever get the chance to travel abroad, I’ll learn how to surf.”
Fast forward to today, and here I am — standing on the wide sandy shores with my group to learn surfing in Shonan Enoshima in Kanagawa, Japan. The salty breeze brushes against my face, the rhythmic sound of waves rolls in, and somewhere out there is my first surfboard waiting for me. My dream is finally happening.
Why Shonan Enoshima Is Perfect For Beginner Surfers
While researching the best surf spots near Tokyo, Shonan Enoshima kept popping up — and now I understand why.
This beach town has a charm that’s hard to capture in words:
- Wide, sandy beaches that invite both sunbathers and surfers
- A lively yet laid-back vibe where everyone feels welcome
- On clear days, the surreal sight of Mt. Fuji rising beyond the horizon
- Cleaner water than Chiba, making it pleasant for swimming and surfing
The scene here is pure energy — surfers paddling out into the waves, people laughing under beach umbrellas, kids chasing the foam as it rushes up the shore. Somewhere among them is me, a first-time surfer, ready to learn.
Surf Culture And Facilities In Shonan Enoshima
One of the things that makes this spot so beginner-friendly is the abundance of surf shops along the beach. They make it incredibly easy for newcomers:
- Board and wetsuit rentals
- Beginner-friendly trainers available year-round
- Group and private lessons lasting 2–3 hours
The shop I chose offered exactly what I needed — a board, a wetsuit (I didn’t use it because I felt a bit heavy), and a trainer who promised to guide me from zero to (hopefully) standing on my board by the end of the session.
My First Surf Lesson in Japan
20-Minute Land Lesson
We started with a 20-minute lesson on the sand. It covered the fundamentals:
- How to float and balance on the board
- The right way to paddle
- Popping up into a standing position
- Reading the waves and timing the take-off
On land, it seemed simple enough. My body understood the movements — or at least pretended to — but I had a feeling the ocean would be a completely different story.
Stepping Into the Waves
Then came the real test. Board in hand, wetsuit zipped, I walked toward the shoreline. The cool Pacific water lapped at my feet, sending a shiver through me. I took a deep breath and followed my instructor into waist-deep water.
The first few attempts went exactly how you might imagine — quick wipeouts, spectacular splashes, and a couple of salty mouthfuls of seawater.
I started to feel frustrated, but then I heard my trainer’s voice behind me:
“Gambatte! Gambatte!”
(Come on! You can do it!)
That little encouragement kept me going.
Meeting a Fellow Beginner
Out there, I met Jack from Australia. You’d think someone from a surfing nation would be a pro, but he was also a beginner. Still, he seemed to have a natural knack for it — within 30 minutes, he was already standing and steering.
While chatting between waves, the trainer mentioned something interesting:
- People with snowboarding experience often learn surfing faster because they already know how to balance on a moving surface.
I made a mental note — maybe next winter I should try snowboarding too.
Finally Catching My First Wave
For me, it took much longer. I lost count of how many times I fell. My knees shook, my arms flailed, and I drank more seawater than I care to admit. But then… it happened.
I caught a small wave, pushed myself up, wobbled into a standing position, and for a few glorious seconds, I was surfing. Not perfectly, not for long — but I was up. The rush was indescribable.
That was the moment I understood why people fall in love with surfing.
Post-Surf Reflections
By the time I finally stepped out of the water, board tucked securely under my arm, I was completely exhausted — yet grinning like a kid who had just discovered a secret playground. My arms ached from paddling, my hair was tangled and salty, and I was tired as well, but somehow, deep inside, I felt lighter than ever — as if the ocean had washed away not just my fatigue, but a lifetime of longing to finally stand on a surfboard.
Thankfully, the surf shop provided full shower facilities, which were included in the lesson price. I noticed some shops charge extra for showers, so it’s worth double-checking the details when booking. Stepping out of the warm rinse, feeling fresh and clean, was like a little victory celebration on its own.
Refreshed, I joined a few fellow surfers from different countries to share snacks and stories. Laughing together, trading wipeout tales, and comparing tips from our brief but intense lessons, I felt an instant connection with these strangers — fellow dream-chasers who had also dared to step into the waves for the first time. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable surf class at Shonan Enoshima, full of new experiences, new friends, and a small taste of the freedom that surfing brings.
Surfing in Shonan Enoshima wasn’t just about riding waves — it was about joining a community, sharing encouragement, and soaking in the energy of the beach. Locals and travelers, beginners and pros, all chasing the same joy.
Tips for Beginner Surfers in Shonan Enoshima
From my first-hand experience, here are some practical tips:
- Book a lesson — The 2–3 hour sessions are perfect for first-timers.
- Pay attention during the land lesson — Those 20 minutes will make your time in the water much easier.
- Expect to fall — a lot — Wipeouts are part of the process.
- Bring water and snacks — You’ll burn more energy than you think.
- Come on a clear day — The view of Mt. Fuji from the waves is unforgettable.
- Pack personal essentials — Towel, sandals, sunscreen, and dry clothes.
- Stay patient — Everyone learns at their own pace; progress comes wave by wave.
Best Time to Surf in Shonan Enoshima
While you can surf here year-round, beginners often prefer late spring to early autumn when:
- The water is warmer
- The waves are smaller and easier to handle
- The beach atmosphere is lively
How to Get to Shonan Enoshima from Tokyo
- By Train: Take the JR Tokaido Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Fujisawa Station, then transfer to the Enoden Line to Enoshima Station.
- By Car: Around 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic, but parking can be limited on weekends.
Where to Stay
I was for a day. If you want to extend your trip, you’ll find:
- Beachfront guesthouses with ocean views
- Budget hostels popular with surfers
- Hotels near Kamakura for a mix of surfing and sightseeing
Final Thoughts: Chasing Waves and Dreams
As I walked away from the beach, the late afternoon sun painted the sky in gold and orange. I looked back at the surfers still out there, silhouettes dancing on the waves.
One day, I hope to glide across the water with the same ease. But for now, I’m simply grateful that I finally took the first step.
Shonan Enoshima didn’t just teach me how to surf — it taught me that some dreams are worth chasing, even if they start with a few wobbly seconds on a board.
