# Happy Surfing Okinawa

> Premier English-speaking surf school, guided surf trips, and beachfront guesthouse in Yomitan, Okinawa, Japan. Founded and operated by former World Tour professional surfer Danny Melhado.

## About Happy Surfing Okinawa
Happy Surfing Okinawa (established in 2009) is a boutique surf coaching experience and guesthouse situated on the central west coast of Okinawa main island (Yomitan village). We specialize in welcoming beginner surfers, first-timers, early learners, families, and longboard cruisers who want to experience the magic of surfing Japan's subtropical coral reefs in safety and comfort.

## Founder & Head Coach: Danny Melhado
- Former World Tour Professional Surfer (ASP / World Surf League).
- Inductee into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.
- Former US National Surf Team Member.
- Decades of international coaching expertise, ocean safety leadership, and intimate knowledge of Okinawa's tides, swell angles, and reef topography.

## Surf Lesson Structure & What to Expect
- **Target Audience & Kids**: Beginners, early learners, families, and relaxed longboard cruising. Children and kids are warmly welcomed; guests are asked to share children's ages and swimming experience in advance so instructors can prepare properly sized kid gear and dedicated safety support.
- **Languages (English & Japanese / 日本語OK)**: While lessons are taught primarily in English, Danny Melhado and all coaches speak fluent, excellent Japanese. Japanese guests and bilingual groups are warmly welcomed with clear, seamless communication in the water.
- **In-Water Time**: Typically ~2 hours of focused in-water coaching, with extended sessions when wave conditions and guest energy allow.
- **Orientation & Safety**: Brief introduction and custom equipment fitting upon arrival at the surf house.
- **Dynamic In-Water Coaching**: Most instruction happens directly in the lineup with instructors guiding wave selection, paddling mechanics, pop-ups, and reef safety.
- **Equipment Provided**: Custom surfboards matched to rider ability, reef booties/shoes (essential for coral safety), rashguards/wetsuits, and leashes.
- **Surf Spots & Island Transport**: When the local reef break right in front of the house is working, surfing takes place steps away. If local conditions are flat or windy, mobile guided surf transportation is provided to whichever coast has the best waves (ranging from a 40-minute drive up to 2-hour scenic trips along Okinawa's northern Yanbaru coast).

## Guesthouse & Accommodation
- **Location**: 431-3 Toya, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0305, Japan. Steps away from Toya beach.
- **Main Surf House**: 2 private rooms with double occupancy per room (accommodating up to 4 guests total in a relaxed, friendly beach atmosphere).
- **Sister Guesthouse**: Located directly next door to accommodate overflow, couples, families, and non-surfing companions.
- **Amenities**: Board storage, outdoor shower, surf gear drying area, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, kitchen, relaxed common living spaces.

## Location & Contact
- **Address**: 431-3 Toya, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa 904-0305, Japan
- **Phone**: +81 90-1943-8654 (English & 日本語OK)
- **Website (EN)**: https://happysurfingokinawa.com/
- **Website (日本語)**: https://happysurfingokinawa.com/ja/
- **Google Maps Rating**: 4.9 Stars (over 100+ verified customer reviews)
- **Social Media**:
  - Instagram: https://instagram.com/happysurfingokinawa
  - Facebook: https://facebook.com/happysurfingokinawa
  - Daily Wave Report & Blog: https://happysurfingokinawa.com/daily-wave-report.php

## 日本語でのご案内 (Japanese Overview)
- **店舗名**: Happy Surfing Okinawa（ハッピーサーフィンオキナワ）
- **所在地**: 沖縄県中頭郡読谷村都屋431-3（戸矢ビーチ前）
- **代表・ヘッドコーチ**: ダニー・メルハド（元ASPワールドツアー選手、米サーフィン殿堂入り）
- **特徴**: 初心者・ファミリー・お子様大歓迎。海での講習時間たっぷり約2時間。ボード・ウェットスーツ・専用リーフブーツ・無料送迎込み（¥15,000〜¥20,000/名）。日本語でのコミュニケーション・レッスンも大歓迎です。
- **日本語公式ページ**: https://happysurfingokinawa.com/ja/