it’s always a pleasure teaching kids how to surf. i just love doing it because i will never ever forget the first time i surfed when i was 6 or 7 years old. it was only a few waves but that was the spark that lead to this fire i have for the ocean. i can still remember that day like it was yesterday. so for these kids, i know this day will be remembered for a long long time. Kai is 10 years old and Maika is 8 years old. two cute kids!

for surfing, it’s either love or hate. if you have a great first experience, you will love it. if you have a bad first experience, you will hate it. that’s why i tell a lot of my friends before they take their kids surfing to make sure the surf is perfect, the equipment is perfect, and the day is perfect. if not, don’t even try it. this past sunday couldn’t have been any better! just look at the stoke on Maika’s face as we paddled out. this is pure stoke!

first wave!!! look forward, bend your knees, and everything will be alright! good job Maika!!!

another angle as i just watch this kid ride the best wave of his life!

and yes, a high 5 is mandatory after a good wave!

i met Maika and Kai a few times before, but this day was the first time i seen them smile like this. i truly believe that surfing can bring out the best smiles in the world.

then it was Kai’s turn. i could tell he was a little more nervous but after a few waves, he became comfortable with the ocean. i was so stoked to see him surf so well.

once again, bend your knees and look forward. perfect surfing Kai!!!
when i downloaded these photos last night, i couldn’t stop laughing. kids are so pure and to see their nervousness turn into happiness just by riding a wave is priceless. i can’t wait to take them again!
oh, and to see the whole Nakamoto family come down to the beach to watch and support the kids was awesome. that is priceless too!

The ocean is the best place in the world!!!!

Ayaka-chan did a great job surfing! she got up to her feet really fast and surfed so good!

this is a cool photo with her father Uetani-san on the side riding the same wave.

perfect balance, style, and commitment. good job Ayaka-chan!

Uetani-san caught some good waves! nice bottom turn!

and very nice cross step!

then Masamune on day 2 of surfing with me. he caught over 20 waves and kept on going and going.

always stoked to be surfing aside. sharing is caring!

and look at this kids smile. a smile surfing brings out in everybody! see you again today Masamune! surf and yoga?

i’m getting better at longboarding. i can hang 5 easily but can’t hang 5 and take a photo at the same time. i kept on trying but i just couldn’t get the right angle.

cutback with spray. 60% pressure on the back foot for power, and 40% pressure on the front foot to steer.

i’m going to keep on practicing until i can hang 10. it’s a great feeling riding a wave on the nose.