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The Osaka Hokko Port Marina Open 2023-SUP Championship was held on Sunday, March 26th at the Osaka Hokko Port Marina in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture.
Hokko Marina, facing Osaka Bay, is located in a port area close to Universal Studios Japan. When the wind blows up, the open sea can be difficult to navigate due to swells caused by waves crashing against the breakwater and unpredictable backwash.
The wind was blowing on the day of the tournament, and many athletes had their feet caught in the rough sea surface.
Sho Kikukawa will be competing from Team KOKUA.
Shoki Kikukawa has been active since the early days of SUP racing and has been a driving force in the racing scene. This tournament was attended by many skilled athletes who are regular podium finishers, but he showed the calm paddling of a veteran.
Below is the player report:
Sho Kikukawa
Result: Race 6km Elite Class 14.0ft or less Men
00:32:35 Winner
"The race took place in conditions with wind speeds of 4-5m and shin-high swells. After the start, I rounded the first buoy in third place. After that, I was able to paddle in first place all the way to the finish line. Every leg was stable, and on the downhill stretch, the boat responded well to the small swells, so I was able to paddle relaxed!"
Board: FLY PRO 22.5
Paddle: KK HA
Fin: FIA
The Harimanada Cup will be held in Hyogo Prefecture, Kikukawa Shoki's hometown, in May. The SUP2023 Japan Open will also be held in Kumihama, Kyoto Prefecture on April 15th and 16th.
Kikkawa Shoki, who made it onto the podium in both tournaments last year, is sure to perform well.
Members of Team KOKUA Generation Next will also be participating.
We look forward to seeing Team KOKUA/KOKUA Generation Next do well in the Kansai region as well .
