"Spoll! I tried it. ~ Surfing~"

"Spoll! I tried it. "It is a project to actually experience Kochi's nature sports and convey the charm from the perspective of the experienced person. 
 This time, Mr. Ikeda is from Osaka Prefecture and came to Kochi Prefecture to go to university. He is active as a university yacht club and is familiar with the sea, but he is the first to surf. Mr. Ikeda's surfing debut…

First of all

This time, you will experience surfing at Omi Coast, Toyo-cho, Kochi Prefecture, one of the best surf points in Japan. Surfing is a simple sport in terms of riding a wave on a surfboard, but it is very profound, such as the difficulty of standing on a surfboard on an unstable wave and the tips of continuing to ride on the waves while maintaining balance It is an event.

Place

The Ikumi Coast, a place to experience, is about 1 km coast in Toyo-cho, east of Kochi Prefecture, next to Tokushima Prefecture. A popular surf point where clear and transparent seawater makes it easy for waves suitable for surfing throughout the year, and national and world championships are also held. A lot of surfers gather not only from outside the prefecture but also from overseas.

Right in front of the Ikumi coast, there is "South Shore" where a surf school is held. In addition to surfing, it is an accommodation where you can enjoy various activities such as SUP, barbecue, fishing, sea play, etc. The owner, Naoichi Kanazawa, is fascinated by the warm climate and the Ikumi coast blessed with waves suitable for surfing. A competition for over 30 years who has moved from Osaka. Currently, the family, including the son of a JPSA certified professional surfer, runs South Shore.

Experience

This experience is a surfing school with lessons that even beginners can feel safe. Wetsuit and surfboard rental are also included in the price, so you can experience it even if you visit empty-handed.

First of all, we will accept at a shop that handles surfing goods and receive explanations such as notes. Then, rent a wetsuit that is perfect for you and change clothes in the shower room.

After changing clothes, choose a surfboard. This time, we will try with a soft board that is easy for beginners to ride.

"I like marine sports generally, but especially surfing has the image of "This is the sea!" And it was a longing sport, so I'm really looking forward to this time. It's my first challenge, so it's difficult to ride the waves and I'm a little worried about getting on the board well, but the goal is to keep the speed without losing balance to the sandy beach! "Mr. Ikeda looks at the sea with sparkling eyes.

 Immediately, you will receive a lecture on preparatory gymnastics and how to row and stand on the soft board on the sandy beach.

The instructor will tell you the timing by shouting, and you will learn how to stand on the board and where to ride.

After the image training and preparation exercises, go to the long-awaited sea. 
The season was autumn, but thanks to wet suit, the water temperature seems to be OK.

As expected, it is one of the best surf points in Kochi Prefecture, where there are many seas, and the transparency of the sea is outstanding and very beautiful.
Just floating on the soft board will heal you.…。 
This time it is a surfing experience. First of all, create a system on the board according to the instructions of the instructor, and grasp the feeling of riding the waves. 

With the shout of “The waves are coming,” I look at the direction.
With the shout of "Now!", I stand up instantly with power in my hand.

Mr. Ikeda, who was able to stand on the board at once, is a wonderful motor nerve.
Move over the waves with a smile saying "Wow!"

"Like practice, I'm just standing on the board with my knees bent, but I'm going forward and a pleasant wind hits my face. When I looked next to it, I realized that the waves were arriving at the same speed, and I was traveling only with the waves!"

Mr. Ikeda is excited about his first feeling.

"It's amazing to surf with a mysterious feeling like being able to run over the sea.…。 」

When you come near the sandy beach, get off the soft board and row the board by hand to the point where you started. And wait for the waves again.

"There's more speed on the waves than I imagined, but the soft board has a more stable feeling than I expected."

I sometimes lost my balance, but if I tried many times while receiving advice from the instructor, I can grasp the timing and feeling of riding the board. 

"If you can stand on the board stably, you will have a sense of unity with the waves and it will be very fun! 」

Eventually, I was able to get on the board at the timing of myself and reach the sandy beach without losing balance! 

It was about two hours of school, but "I was crazy and time passed quickly. I'm very happy to ride the waves even for the first time! " I leave the beach with a full smile. 

After the end, change clothes using the shower at the facility and the experience is over.

Finally

I asked Mr. Ikeda about his impressions.

"In the colorful facilities and the sea that spreads right in front of me, I felt like I went abroad. The instructor taught me very kindly and politely, so even beginners were able to experience it happily. In a location rich in nature, I was able to forget my daily life and move my body, so I would like to try again regardless of the season! 」

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Above, "Spoll! I tried it. It was surfing.” You can reserve the plan you experienced from the official website of "South Shore". 

We also asked Naoichi Kanazawa, the owner of "South Shore" and the instructor this time, about the splendor of the Ikumi Coast.

[Spoll! Interview with Migrants: Naoichi Kanazawa. "I was fascinated by the sea of Toyo-cho…」

There are many coasts suitable for surfing in Kochi Prefecture, but the Ikumi Coast, which can be a day trip from the Kansai area, is the perfect place to try for the first time. Please feel free to experience it.

Facility information