i’d have to say that delta is the best! flat seats in business class making it very comfortable. almost too comfortable at times.
japan getting invaded by chinese tourists!!! if you plan to travel to japan, plan ahead. don’t think you can just go through immigrations in 5 minutes anymore. recently, it’s been getting pretty unpredictable. sometimes the wait is 15 minutes, and sometimes the wait is 2 hours. here is what i would do if i were you. request a seat in the front part of the airplane. and when you get off, run to immigrations. no bathroom break or no taking your time. if there is no line, you are lucky. and if 5 airplanes from china land before you, you’re unlucky. expect to wait for 2 hours. i’ve done it a couple of times this year.

so on this trip, i was lucky. i got through immigrations pretty fast. then when i went to get a train, i was in for a big surprise. i couldn’t believe how long the line was to buy a ticket!!! took forever! and here is the trick for waiting in line with a huge crowd of chinese tourists. don’t turn around even for a second or else you will see more people in front of you then you did before you turned around. it’s just a culture difference that you have to get use to these days. luckily i’m a surfer that knows how to drop in so if somebody takes my spot, i’ll get it right back. haha.

yesterday was a very long day for me. it all started out early in the morning with the coolest double rainbow with the super moon on the side.

Ai-san and Rika-san enjoying the beautiful moment.

i had such a great time surfing with these two wonderful women. just to see the stoke in their eyes as they rode the waves was super rewarding.

after surfing, we went to see some nature. they girls haven’t been up here before so it was a must. the most beautiful view in the world.

then back down to the big city and acai bowl.

then we went to check out a dream house on black point.

yes, it must be so amazing to wake up to a view like this.

one day, i will be waking up to this. i just have to save $3.5 million first. haha.

and the pool in the back yard. gosh, i’d be having parties every day.

want to thank Rika-san and Ai-san for the wonderful time! great job surfing and hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!

driving to diamond head looking so green! this is the greenest it will ever get. and the blue sky and white clouds. right after this, i went home, unloaded the boards, grabbed my backpack, and headed to the airport. got to the gate at 12:20pm and my flight took off at 12:59pm. barely made it and it’s crazy how i got the absolute last seat on the flight! and guess what? it was the business flat seat! what a busy but very happy morning with a very happy ending.

then i land in japan and it’s raining???? omg, i went from blue to grey! haha. a very short and busy trip. see you all in yugawara and atami this weekend! have a beautiful wet day!

gosh, time has flown by so fast!!! Dove wetsuits is going to celebrate their 40th anniversary this year! 40 years of history in japan’s surfing world. i got sponsored by Dove back in 1992 so i’ve been with them for 23 years and counting. had some great times, great memories, and awesome wetsuits. the surf contest and party is happening on october 4th morning till night. i’ll be there the whole way! there is no way i can miss the chance to celebrate the 40 years with Tokura-san, Inomata-san, and all the Dove staff, team riders, dealers, and supporters. all my wonderful friends spread out throughout japan. see you guys next week!
here are some photos from the 35th anniversary contest held at Yugawara. good waves, good vibe. check it out!









like i said, i’ve been with Dove since i was a kid. 23 years of relationship that is totally priceless. thank you Dove for all the years of support! and also all the years for keeping me warm!