When you paddle out (especially at low tides) watch your scags on the rocks. Traditionally as it is a right most people head out a little above the line up and paddle in.
Overview
Atmosphere
Tatagami Iwa is not only a fun spot, but there is the local flavor of the Japanese people and there is a shrine between the two big rocks, which is appropriate for rendering petitions for surf or luck!
General
It is really a very over-looked spot and although there where no days over head high while I was there; it is the idea that hey I am in Japan and the fact that most of the Japanese surfers we met were pretty cool which make it a good deal.
looking for the boys
hi there,i lost all my contacts in karatsu and would love to look for my friends again.Eiji san is one of them. Naoshigue, Sohe, Zen san as well (who shaped great boards for me) and Masaki Harada surfed with me all the time.if you lived there from 93 to 96 you probably saw me in the water. i am the only brazilian who surfed that place. anyway, can you please help me out "traking the boys" down.my email address is c_beserra@yahoo.comcheers,christian
comment by rogue_cat, 2002-07-29 11:38:50
Localism
I lived in Karatsu for 3 years and learned to surf at Tategami - I guess I was one of those Karatsu Boys (or rather, girls) and perhaps my friendship with the 'locals' clouds my judgement that they are good people and friendly - especially compared to some spots in Miyazaki!! But this was several years ago, and even when I left in '96 it was getting more and more crowded - I imagine that probably sparked some localism. Here's a hint: one of the 'gurus' there is named Eiji (some call him "E-bo", pronouned "ay-boh"). He owns a bar in Karatsu, near the Royal Hotel, called "Dreadlock." I think he still drives a van and has an English corgie dog named "Vamos". Anyway, if you're concerned about localism, he speaks pretty decent English and is usually friendly to newcomers, especially if you take the trouble to find him and introduce yourself.
comment by Namichika, 2002-06-23 16:31:33
Larry Pickard your an ASSHOLE
I've surfed Tatagami many times even typhoon swells, maybe you dont't understand Nihongo, of all the places I've surfed in Japan, Tatagami is the only place that I've seen displays of "Localism" and I'm glad they're my friends. Tatagami is an out-of-the-way place that seldom gets waves, and when it does, The place belongs to the Karatsu Boys. Other surfers (usually from Fukuoka and Nagasaki) know who not to mess with. True, Japanese people are hospitable, but don't push your luck, I've seen Japanese pro surfers get in trouble there (Tatagami), so just as any where else, be respectful. Arigato
comment by christian beserra, 2003-09-13 17:01:44