目次
The members of KOKUA TEAM GENERATION NEXT, a project to support junior paddlers who will lead the next generation in 2023, have been decided.
At KOKUA, we not only develop the highest quality products, but also continue to nurture and support the next generation of paddlers.
Four members were selected: kids paddlers full of potential.
●Kaisei Ikeda
[Age]
12 years old
[Home point]
Ohama Beach (Hayama Town, Kanagawa Prefecture)
【How did you meet you paddling?】
He originally paddled a Va'a (canoe) and then started paddling SUP as well.
In the future, I would like to paddle the open ocean as a professional SUP.
●Ranai Ozawa
[Age]
15 years old
[Home point]
Enoshima (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Zushi Beach (Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Ohama Beach (Hayama Town, Kanagawa Prefecture)
【How did you meet you paddling?】
He had been thinking about taking up outrigger canoeing when he became a high school student. He had a desire to paddle early, and that was when he borrowed his father's SUP and paddled in his third year of junior high school.
I met Kenny at a KOKUA test ride and became interested in SUP racing. I bought a race board with my pocket money. I plan to practice a lot with this board and aim to win a prize at the All Japan Championships. My goal is to become someone like Kenny who promotes SUP and canoeing in the future.
●Yae Tsurui
[Age]
13 years old
[Home point]
Shirahama Beach (Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Suma Beach (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)
【How did you meet you paddling?】
My parents were doing SUP at Suma Beach, and I would join them. I also started paddling with friends my age at LANIKAI in Himeji City.
He used to use a 12.6ft board, but will switch to a 14ft race board from 2022. Even though he is in a different class, he wants to aim for better results than ever before.
I want to pursue the joy of SUP that I have never seen before.
●Ishitaro Ninomiya
[Age]
14 years old
[Home point]
Hayasaki Matsue Beach (Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture)
【 How did you meet you paddling? 】
When I was in the third grade of elementary school, I went to the beach with my father, who loved the sea, and discovered the connections I made with the people I met at the beach and the joy of rowing.
I want to become a player who can be ranked in the top 10 in Japan and also compete in races overseas!
How will these fresh and unique kids grow and excel? I hope they will enjoy rowing in their own way and shine.
Thank you for your support!
