when i first pulled up to the contest yesterday, i seen this kid take off backside and before he even did his bottom turn, i already knew it was Taichi Wakita. this kid not only looks like his dad, he surfs like his dad. i was stoked to see him win his heat. good surfing Taichi!
little Wakita. the next pipe master and eddie aikau invitee? he’s on the right track for sure. just listen to your dad and keep on surfing.
it’s Kaito Kurokawa’s first time to hawaii. and also first time surfing a contest here. i was stoked to see him so relaxed and focused.
making your first north shore debut is nerve racking. the waves, the beach, the locals, and the tension. everybody’s eyes are on the newcomers. this is where your surfing career really begins.
haleiwa is the hardest surf spot to figure out. i know so many people who hate this spot because it’s so hard to surf. tricky peaks, strong current, and lots of closeouts. the only way you can figure out how to surf this spot is to surf it, surf it, and surf it. only time will tell.
Kaito had the whole main peak to himself. the other boys, including Seth Moniz paddled out to the other peak and battled it out.
making your debut as a competitor surfer in hawaii and having to surf against this champion surfer kid Seth Moniz must be scary. Kaito did a good job and even though he didn’t advance from this heat, he learned a lot. Seth getting coached by Rainos Hayes. take a look at Seth’s eyes. he’s in competition mode and watching the waves like a hawk.
then Seth paddles out and does the biggest turns of the heat and getting the highest scores. i’m so proud of this kid because i can see the confidence once he hits the water. once you have confidence in yourself, you can beat anybody. this is a world champion turn by a 15 year old kid.
good to see all the supporters showing up.
and good to see the girls ripping the waves too!
Elijah Young was surfing really good! this kid is hungry!
NSA All Japan Champion Hinako Kurokawa is surfing very good too! and if you see her mom and dad surf, you will know why. a true japan surfer family!
i always stress to kids that the bottom turn is the biggest maneuver. once you have a good bottom turn, everything else will fall into place. nice Hinako!
watching the young girls come all the way from japan to compete in hawaii makes me happy. it’s always good to see new faces and new talent.
i remember when i had to check in to get my jersey for my first contest in japan. i was so fricken nervous!!! haha.
go-naminori!
