目次
Surfers all have their own way of relating to the ocean. Their values and lifestyles are strongly reflected in their relationships. When you learn about the passion and lifestyle of Nobuyuki Osawa, known affectionately as "Nobu," for surfing, you find yourself nodding in agreement.
Growing up by the ocean in Chigasaki, Shonan, it was only natural that Nobu would take up surfing. He had been familiar with the waves since he was a child, and by the time he was in elementary school, he was competing in competitions not only in his hometown but all over the country. After entering junior high school, he set his sights on becoming a professional surfer active on the world stage. He saved up money by working part-time, and two and a half years later, he set off alone for Australia, the home of surfing. He showed his talent while competing on the junior world tour, and began to excel in domestic contests as well. In 2010, he was crowned Japan's number one as the grand champion of the domestic tour. Nobu had steadily built his career as a professional surfer, but three years ago he retired from competitive surfing.
"Currently He launched the brand " AWING SURFBOARDS " and is a shaper ( surfboard craftsman ) who custom-makes surfboards. He also travels the world and records videos of his free surfing, spreading the idea of freedom and self outside of competition. I am working to spread the word." Nobu's surfing life is now entering a new stage beyond the world of competitions, where people compete against each other. The reason for this is quite simple: "I want to spread the word about surfing's culture of riding the waves, and the charm and fun of surfing." "The moment you're riding a wave is a strange feeling. Riding the power of nature on a board is something you wouldn't experience in an ordinary life. Just as the waves are alive and breathing, so too do we ride them. It's a visceral sensation, like coexisting closest to nature ... " I haven't gotten there yet though." This is a state of mind that only Nobu, who has dedicated so much of his life to surfing, can reach.
But then, something happened that further enriched Nobu's surfing life: his encounter with SUP. "I was really drawn to the way Kenny had started KOKUA and was enjoying SUP, away from racing. It made me think, 'Oh, there's another way to interact with the ocean.' It was a revelation for me as a surfer." Nobu and Kenny have known each other since childhood, and although they compete in different sports, they have watched each other's successes and been inspired by each other's efforts. Three years ago, Nobu started riding KOKUA's FLOAT, and was surprised by his first experience with the world of SUP. "The view underwater is totally different. The view from a greater distance, away from land, is more spectacular... Rather than just paddling hard, standing on an SUP in the ocean and enjoying the experience felt like a real luxury." While surfing is popular in Shonan, there are only "about 80 days a year" where surfing is possible. Now, on days when the waves aren't great, he takes his SUP to the beach, depending on the weather, wind, and other conditions. He also enjoys it with his children on weekends.
"With SUP , you can spend more time together on the water. So the way we spend time at the beach has changed. After all, you can't surf together for long periods of time. Maybe the kids feel safe on the SUP , because even the ones who couldn't swim will suddenly jump into the ocean, even though it's dangerous ( laughs ) . That's how much they love the ocean." Seeing these children has been a positive addition to one of my life's work, teaching surfing to the general public.
"For beginners who are just starting to surf, I tell them that surfing isn't just about riding the waves. I want them to cherish the time they spend on the surfboard, waiting for the waves. The feeling of skin touching the ocean and being one with it is completely different from everyday life. "It's that feeling. I think it would be great if people could experience that, even if they're just sitting on the board. SUP makes you feel that even more. So, before you start surfing, I want people to experience the joy of the ocean with SUP . It's not just about riding the waves, it's a great way to get people to know the ocean." It's clear that SUP has had a big impact on Nobu. "Since I finished competing, I have been longing for free time to spend in the ocean. SUP has broadened the scope of that free time. I personally think surfing is one of the ultimate forms of ocean fun. But SUP has also shown me another fascinating aspect of the ocean." Nobu's surfing life will continue.
NOBU favorite model
