Just returned from a Kiting trip to Japans southern most island Okinawa
After checking the weather I packed a 12 and a 7 on the way to the airport looking out the train window I could see white caps across the habour and started thinking maybe I should stay here
At the airport while checking in I was told that the plane may have to return due to the typhoon (lucky I packed a small kite)
Leaving Nagoya was clear blue skies until we got to Kyushu and then you could start to see the thick white cloud bands being sucked in by the typhoon
Once we got over Okinawa and below the cloud I could see huge seas with waves breaking on the outer reef. The plane circled the airport for a bit before landing with a bit of a bump and a skid
got my gear and gave Mike from www.patriotkites.com a call and he gave me directions to his shop when I finally got there he had dinner waiting and filled me in on the spots to ride etc.
Next day I woke up to find no wind and lots of rain (maybe I should have stayed in Nagoya) this didn't last long and by lunch time it was sunny and blowing 20kt so got hold of Mike and went to a man made beach on the east coast the wind was cross on the water was warm and there was a flat water section behind a breakwater and to top it off the beach was empty apart from us Next day Mike got us in to the Torii US Military base which gives access to the best beach I have ever kited bar none cross shore smooth 20kt waves flat water grass set up area showers cafe What more could you want?
So if you ever end up in Japan and are hanging out for some warm clean clear wind and water Go to Okinawa and get hold of Mike you wont be disappointed

Nice one dude, I miss sliding the roof of the RED VAN at shoally's. Winds been going off here, mostly NW lots of Meola, Port Y and Kaipara heads... Smash a couple of Saki's!