Kai Chu Doro Beach

N26°19.837' E127°54.333'

Miibaru | Nashiro | Miyuki

Overview

Kai Chu Doro means 'road through the sea' when translated from Japanese. A very appropriate name, because that's exactly what it is! Built less than 10 years ago to connect the group of Miyagi, Ikei and Hamahiga islands with the main island; it cuts straight through the shallow lagoon and has a car park and recreational area about half way along. There is also a bridge spanning a short distance to allow the free flow of water from one side of the road to the other. I mention this because it also allows the wind to pass freely, too!

Most kitesurfers launch from the corner at the start of the road on the north side. There's a car park on the opposite side of the road, by the town hall. Carry your gear across the road onto the beach. At high tide the beach is fairly small but it becomes a vast sandy plain at low tide. The sand is very fine and sticks to gear like a magnet! Unfortunately, being the corner of a huge bay it also tends to accumulate a lot of seaweed and floating rubbish.
It is also possible to launch further up the road, just past the recreational area. Most windsurfers sail around there so please be considerate to them.

There are toilets, showers, shops, snack and ice-cream vendors at the recreational area. At the corner launch area you will need to walk to the town hall building for toilets and drink machines; for food it is best to visit the Family Mart convenience store up the road near Popolo's windsurfing shop.

Conditions

• Wind. Either launch spot is good for wind anywhere from north through to northeast. A northwesterly can also work but is likely to be gusty as the wind comes from over the land. Wind from the south is unsuitable as the road itself blocks the wind completely, and the lagoon on the south side is too shallow and rocky.
• Tides. Tides are not usually any cause for concern at Kai Chu, as the bottom is mainly sandy and the water remains deep enough all day. As mentioned above, the available launch area changes quite a bit according to the tide. A couple of hours after high tide reveals a sandbank 100 metres out which makes a great place to set up and launch from. At high tide it is necessary to launch right in the corner, which requires care as there are concrete steps to contend with...
  Due to the gently shelving bottom there are nearly always small waves to play with, and even some fairly big ones in the right conditions.
• Hazards. As mentioned above, take care launching near the corner. It's best to avoid jumping in the shallow areas unless you want to risk breaking either the board or yourself.
  If you go near the bridge, be aware that the wind often accelerates as it passes underneath. Also, there are often windsurfing races held near there from the recreational area, so you should avoid those. Jetskis are also commonplace in the summer.

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© J Fletcher, Okinawa, Japan