!!!TAKA!!!
What is your full name, age, and where are you from?
My name is Takahito Sakairi, I’m 23 years old, from Japan.
Tell us when/how you got into surfing and who taught you.
I started surfing just a few years ago when I was 19 years old. I learned to surf with my Dad who has been surfing a local reef break near my house for many years.
What is your local spot in Japan? Also, what are your favorite waves in Japan and what are they like? Beachbreak/Reef/Point....
My favorite wave is a point break in Yokosuka. It’s normally a reef break, but there is a secret point that only breaks during typhoon swells a few times a year.
Tell us about which longboard models you ride and what you like about each of them.
The first Bing I bought was from Bing Surf Shop and it was the Continental model. I think it’s the best noserider in the world and works great for any long, lined up wave. I’ve been riding it for about two years. I also just bought a new Izzy Rider Type II it is amazing! It’s so fast and turns on a dime. This will be the board I ride in surf contests.
Who are your favorite surfers in the world?
My two favorite surfers that I get inspiration from are David Nu’uhiwa and Tyler Warren.
Have you traveled outside of Japan for surfing for contests or surf trips?
I lived in San Diego for about a year and a half and I was a part of the Oceanside Surf Club. I was able to do most of the events they participated in while I lived here. I also went on a long surf trip up the coast of California from La Jolla to Santa Cruz. It was such an amazing time and I met lots of great people. The coast of California is a beautiful place. In 2023 I have been able to compete in the Mexilogfest, and the Single & Unattached contest in the Philippines. Next month I’m heading to Portugal to compete in the Gliding Barnacles event.
Tell us about your hometown and your other hobbies outside of surfing?
My hometown is Yokosuka, Japan. Yokosuka has a vibe similar to California and much of the area looks like many of the beach towns on the west coast of the U.S. My main hobby is fishing and there are many great places near my home to catch all kinds of fish. My job right now is making jewelry and accessories.
How does it feel to become part of the Bing Surfboards team and represent Japan?
I originally met some of the Bing team at the Mexilogfest in La Saladita, Mexico this year. They seem to all be like a family and we had some good times together at the contest. I’m so stoked to be representing Bing in Japan! Longboarding is very popular here and I hope to show my skill like the other Bing team riders.
What is your surfing style?
I like to have more of a classic 60’s hot dog style. I’m always trying new things to keep it looking fun. Surfing is a great way to express my personality and I hope to look like one-of-a-kind. I want to be known as a waterman that is talented in all kinds of ocean sports.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I’d love to be traveling the world searching for good waves and always trying to experience life to the fullest. I’m always searching for new places and trying new things, so I hope that I can live like that forever.
Follow Taka’s journey on Instagram: @takahitostyle
Also in Bing Surfboards Blog
THE BOARDROOM 2023 COMPETITOR INTERVIEWS
Name, hometown, and surfboard brand.
Josh Peterson, hometown Virginia Beach (born) Haleiwa (currently living), and my brand is Peterson Surfcraft.
When and where did you start surfing? Describe your first surfboard.
I started surfing when I was about 15 in Virginia Beach, and my first board was an old funboard from WRV that was about 7’6” and had glass on thrusters and an insane airbrush.
EL CAMPEON
CIELO
This winter was hard. Was it for you? Did you get good waves? Did you have big, life-shifting moments? Even if you were in Southern California it was really wintery. The weight of the cold months weighed on me like the snow itself. The deep, heavy puddles didn’t empty until just recently.