SUP allows you to cruise freely on water just like you would on snow
What are the reasons why skiers and snowboarders choose SUP as their summer activity?
They can feel the same comfort as on snow and use it as a means of transportation to get to places that are difficult to reach. They can also learn the joy of honing their skills through tricks and paddling, and how to use their bodies in a way that will be useful for skiing and snowboarding. Depending on the weather conditions, they can be at the mercy of not only wind-influenced swells, but also waves on the ocean and rapids on rivers. It's said to be similar to the feeling of playing with the terrain in backcountry areas
One of the attractions of SUP is the wide variety of combinations depending on the location and style. Let's learn how to enjoy SUP one step further from 12 riders
SUP Guide|The Case of Snowboarder Satoshi Tsukahara
"SUP is not a single sport like skiing or snowboarding, but rather a multifaceted paddle sport and water activity, offering a wide range of possibilities for fun."
Having previously enjoyed surfing, canoeing, and kayaking, starting SUP came as a natural progression.
Like surfing, I consider SUP to be a technically challenging activity with high risks, so I always try to adapt my activities to the field and environment.
The appeal of SUP is that compared to other paddling activities (such as kayaking or canoeing), it is easy to handle and can be enjoyed by one person. It requires the ability to paddle standing up, but it can be enjoyed in any field and in various weather conditions, making it ideal for travel
For example, with a powerboat or kayak, you move quickly, so you tend to overlook things that you can enjoy at a leisurely pace with an SUP. This means you can take your time and enjoy even a small area, and by standing and paddling, you can see more of the world than with other paddle sports. While there are risks with any activity, I think one of its appeals is that it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, including children
Satoshi Tsukahara/ 13 years of SUP experience.
Mountain, ski, and canoe SUP guide
. SUP areas: Beautiful seas of Hokkaido, the Sea of Japan including Shakotan, and Okushiri Island. Outside Hokkaido, remote islands of Kyushu such as Amami Oshima, and snow areas in Shikoku
: Akaigawa and Kiroro.
In the early 1990s, I started paddling Canadian canoes for fly fishing, and paddled the Yukon River in Canada about five times. After that, I worked as a canoe guide, organizing river tours on all the rivers (and lakes) in Hokkaido, and since 2006, I have been working as a sea guide using sit-on-top kayaks, based on the Shakotan Peninsula. In 2013, I introduced SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding), and I have been expanding my range of recreational activities by using surfboards and SUPs as companions on trips to Hokkaido and various parts of Japan. I am currently an ambassador for the Japanese SUP brand "PEAKS5".
Instagram: @namaaranokuni
SUP Surfing | Skier Yuzuru Handa's Case
"It made me realize how wonderful the ocean and nature are. Just floating on the water feels good, and there's the same comfort in the mountains and the ocean. Just like skiing, the reason I got hooked on it was because I was holding something in my hand while riding the board."
I don't remember how I first encountered SUP, but I do remember feeling a strong connection to it.
I now conduct SUP lessons and tours for work. Once you can paddle, your range of activity expands, and planning tour routes while considering wind and swells is exactly the same as with backcountry tours.
The scenery is amazing, and the more difficult the challenge, the more satisfying it becomes. Personally, I enjoy surfing on a SUP, which can be enjoyed on a variety of waves, from small swells to head-over-height waves. I also enjoy being able to see my skills improving
It's also great for off-season training for skiing and snowboarding. Not only does it strengthen the upper body, but it also improves core strength and balance, which in turn sharpens my balance while skiing.
SUP can be enjoyed anywhere there's water – the ocean, rivers, or lakes. Whether you're surfing, doing tricks, cruising, or going downriver, it's incredibly fun.
Yuzuru Handa/ 11 years of SUP experience,
ZAOC representative
, SUP area: Miyagi Prefecture, Snow area: Tohoku area, mainly Miyagi Zao.
He started SUP lessons and tours in Tohoku at a time when there were virtually no SUP operators. He pioneered SUP tour routes around Miyagi, including island hopping. While continuing tours and lessons, he has recently become completely devoted to SUP surfing. He studies under Wu Chia-Ju, a former Taiwanese representative for SUP surfing.
Instagram: @yzhandaman
River SUP|Snowboarder Kazunori Hirama
"When you can read the flow of the river and feel the river with your whole body, you feel as if you are in harmony with the river. I am moved by this and find the joy of river SUP in sharing the experience with my friends."
Before I discovered SUP, I went whitewater rafting. When I first got on an SUP on the Tone River, I felt like I had fused snowboarding and rafting paddling. It was very difficult to maintain balance in the river current, and I remember trying and failing many times
It is difficult to match your balance and paddling with the current of the river, but gradually your sense of balance improves and you are able to use the power of the river to perform tricks and overcome rapids
The Tone River in Minakami Town is located in the headwaters of the river, and as such, it has many different faces and changes. The calm, clear waters and clear, flowing pools (areas where the flow collects and the water becomes still like a pool) that are unique to headwaters offer water with a clarity that is rare even in Japan. In addition, during the spring flood season, the river becomes one of Japan's top rapids, earning it the title of one of the "Three Rapids in Japan" and "Three Violent Rivers in Japan."
I learned a lot from the harshness and kindness of the Tone River. In particular, the sensitivity to risk management can be directly applied to business and human relationships, and I feel that one of the charms of the Tone River and SUP is that you can use what you learn to enrich your life
Kazunori Hirama/ 12 years of SUP experience,
nicknamed "Lama Sensei" [Professional Snowboarder/River SUP]
Snow Area: Houdaigi Ski Resort, Gunma Prefecture SUP Area: Tone River, Akaya Lake, Shima Lake, Gunma Prefecture
A five-time winner of the All Japan Snowboarding Technical Championships, with a total of 329,000 followers across social media. Having been involved in and fully enjoying various outdoor activities, he wants to share the "fun" with everyone. Together with guides who share this sentiment, he operates R-LABO, based in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture.
Instagram:@kazunori_hirama SUP @rlabo.insta @rodge_2020
SUP Guide|The Case of Snowboarder Ryosuke Abe
"Having time to be one with nature"
Because you use the current of the river, the conditions are different every day. The river has a different look every day, so you never get bored, and SUP is exciting because you can enjoy it in any condition
Since you are dealing with nature, it can be dangerous. If you are aiming to try river SUP, I recommend attending a school and mastering the techniques before attempting it. In my private time, I enjoy leisurely cruising on rivers, and often go to the Nakagawa River in Tochigi Prefecture
A few years ago, I loaded up my tent, food, and other gear and rowed from the mountains to the sea for three days and two nights. I usually hold tours in the natural beauty of Gunma Prefecture. Please come and refresh yourself
Ryosuke Abe / 15 years of SUP experience,
Representative of IRIEON
, Snow area: Gunma Prefecture, SUP area: Gunma Prefecture
Ryosuke, the representative of Irieon, a company specializing in SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) guiding, draws on his own snowboarding experience. He loves the nature of Minakami, which he has been involved with since childhood, and conveys its richness through his tours.
Instagram: @ryosuke.215 @irieonsup
Lake SUP, SUP & CAMP|The Case of Skier Kenji Kono
"It allows people to enjoy nature throughout the four seasons and to get to know the charms of nature and the island nation of Japan even more. Also, like skiing, it is one of the few sports that can be enjoyed by three generations."
When I first encountered SUP, I was an active athlete aiming for the Olympics, so I was confident that I could master it, but I fell into the sea many times and lost my debut. My first impression was that it was a difficult but fun sport. Now I'm so hooked that I load my SUP with camping gear and a sense of fun and travel along rivers and oceans
SUP allows you to spend time at one with nature by riding the river currents and ocean waves created by the earth, and you will feel the same comfort as gliding across snow on skis
In particular, the time spent floating down the beautiful Shimanto River in Kochi, known as Japan's last clear river, camping freely wherever I like, is a special time for me. Not only can you actively enjoy river rafting and surfing, but you can also fish on your SUP, drink coffee, lie down, or enjoy it with your children, customizing it to suit your style
While it is easy for anyone to enjoy, it can be dangerous if you are not aware of the rules, weather conditions, and knowledge, so we recommend that first-time visitors join a guided tour
Kenji Kono / 16 years of SUP experience /
Representative of NOZAWA GREEN FIELD
/ Snow area: Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Prefecture / SUP area: Hokuryu Lake, Chikuma River, Nagano Prefecture / Shimanto River, Kochi Prefecture
Having competed as a World Cup ski cross athlete since his teens, he currently serves as the representative of "NOZAWA GREEN FIELD." Alongside this, he is involved in product development for ski brands VECTOR GLIDE and SUP brands PEAKS5, promoting the appeal of outdoor sports from multiple perspectives, from providing outdoor activities to supplying gear.
Instagram:@kono_kenji @nozawagreenfield
Lake SUP/SUP Fishing|Snowboarder Fukushima
"People of all ages can enjoy playing in the water to their heart's content, and SUPing in the pouring rain is the best!"
I do SUP anywhere, whether it's a lake, river, or ocean, but I spend the most time at Lake Aoki
By moving freely in all directions to adapt to the changing water conditions every day, we were able to explore every corner of Lake Aoki. On the rare occasions when we came across a calm surface, floating and cruising on the mirror-like water, I felt that I was having the happiest time
I've always loved fishing, and while working as a river guide, I would look for fish to see from the top of rivers and lakes. While navigating rapids on a SUP is great, being able to do SUP fishing in any field has made me addicted to it both at work and in my personal time. My hobby has grown to the point where I've even qualified as a SUP fishing instructor
Fukushima Itaru / 13 years of SUP experience
Mauka Outdoor
Snow area: Hakuba Iwatake (ski resort), Hakuba Valley (BC) SUP area: Aoki Lake, Nagano Prefecture
Instagram:@itaru_fukushima @mauka_outdoor
SUP Fitness|The Case of Skier Noriko Fukushima
"Meditating on a SUP is the time I need to clear my mind."
By riding a SUP, you can experience the extraordinary experience of "spending time on the water." Anyone, regardless of age or gender, can enjoy it and feel closer to nature. You can try difficult tricks, laugh together when you fail, and on a still lake, you can feel as if time has stopped
At Lake Aoki, where I use as my base, there is a wooden tunnel where I can lie down and meditate, which gives me a sense of relaxation in my busy daily life. The appeal of SUP is that there are so many different ways to enjoy it in different situations, such as the ocean, rivers, and lakes
SUP is also recommended for fitness. Leaning forward while paddling engages the muscles in your back, and using the paddle while focusing on your shoulder blades increases the range of motion of the joints around your shoulders. By maintaining balance, you can unknowingly use not only your core, but also small muscles that you don't normally consciously use. What's more, you put a high load on the water in a shorter period of time than on land. According to a report by the Floating Fitness Association, core training exercises such as planks that take 40 seconds on land can be effective in just 8 seconds on a SUP or other water sport. It's also great that you can get a workout just by riding
Noriko Fukushima / 13 years of SUP experience
Mauka Outdoor
Snow Area / Hakuba SUP Area / Aoki Lake, Hakuba Himekawa, Azumino Mansuigawa, Nagano Prefecture
Born in Hakuba Village in 1979. She excelled in alpine skiing from a young age, and switched to ski cross in 2004, competing in the Vancouver Olympics. Currently, she is active in freeriding while also running her family's lodge, "Yamajiu," and outdoor guide service, "Mauka Outdoor," in Hakuba Iwatake.
Instagram:@norikofukushima @mauka_outdoor
SUP Fishing|The Case of Skier Takahiko Seki
"By discovering SUP, I was able to add the ocean to my lifestyle, which had previously centered around mountains and rivers, and it has given me more opportunities to learn from nature."
I mainly enjoy SUP fishing in the sea around Toyama
Fish are most active in the early morning, so in the summer, I set out for the fishing spot after 4am. The morning sun peeking out from the darkness at this time is breathtakingly beautiful. In the spring, you can catch rockfish, bottom fish, and red sea bream, in the summer cutlassfish and bluefish, and when the sea conditions are good, akamutsu in the mid-deep sea. In the fall, you can sometimes catch big fish; I've even caught a 70cm red sea bream at my home spot
It's also a good workout because you have to constantly move from one spot to the next while paddling your SUP amidst the ever-changing wind and tide. Thanks to that, I feel like my sense of balance has improved, which is beneficial for winter skiing. You can train while having fun in nature, so it's the perfect summer activity
Takahiko Seki / 15 years of SUP experience,
SIJ certified SUP fishing specialist
. Snow area: Shiga Kogen. SUP areas: Hokuryu Lake, Shiga Kogen Biwa Pond, Sea of Japan, Toyama Bay, Sagami Bay.
He competed in domestic and international alpine skiing competitions from a young age. Currently, he runs 3RD Café & More in Nakano City, Nagano Prefecture. He plans outdoor tours and events in the northern Shinshu area, using the café as a base station. During the green season, he works as a guide for trekking and fishing tours in the Zakogawa Valley, and during the winter season, he guides ski and snowboard powder tours. His sponsor is PEAKS5.
Instagram:@seki722
SUP Guide & SUP Race|Skier Fukui Godai
"It's relaxing and in harmony with nature and the waves. The race allows me to interact with many other participants and make friends who share the same hobby, which is a great experience."
I got hooked on SUP when I was water skiing at Lake Yamanaka during my off-season training. I usually paddle about 6-10km as a form of training, and occasionally participate in races. I also paddle on a hardboard when I do so. If there are waves, I head to the Shonan area to enjoy SUP surfing
I usually teach SUP lessons at Lake Shirakaba in Nagano Prefecture, mainly to beginners.
I feel incredibly happy when I'm on a surf trip to a beautiful ocean and riding good waves with my friends.
The appeal of SUP is that anyone can try it, regardless of age, and it can be enjoyed as a lifelong sport
Fukui Godai / 10 years of SUP experience
, Representative of Yatsugatake Adventure Tours, SUPA certified SUP instructor, JRCA certified canoe instructor.
Snow areas: Kurumayama Ski Resort, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. SUP areas: Shirakaba Lake, Shonan area.
Former Japanese national freestyle ski cross representative. Currently running daily canoe, SUP, and e-bike tours at Lake Shirakaba.
Instagram:@godai_fukui @yatsugatake_adventure
SUP Touring|The Case of Snowboarder Masami Nishiwaki
"For someone who has mainly spent time in the mountains, the feeling of being on the water was refreshing. I felt the grandeur of nature, discovered a new world, and found the extraordinary experience of standing on the water very soothing."
My first experience with SUP was in September 2014, when I participated in the Suganuma Lake SUP event hosted by Numano Kensuke at Suganuma in Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture. It's a style of leisurely touring around the ocean or lake. SUP is a piece of equipment that's easy to carry and fun to use, but it also takes you deep into areas that aren't visible from land, such as caves and inlets. One of the reasons I was drawn to it is that it resembles the backcountry world of winter mountains
I often go to Izumozaki and Tenryo-no-Sato. The Sea of Japan is beautiful, and it's the area I like to spend the most time in as a family, where I can play and go fishing
When we go camping as a family, I wake up around 6am and paddle with my wife. We can see mystical moments with the mirror-like surface of the Mentsuru lake, the stillness, and the morning mist. Paddling slowly across the surface of the Mentsuru lake is like wading into untracked powder, and it feels great. My kids are more into SUP sumo than paddling. It's a game of rocking back and forth to see who can last the longest without falling. It's fun even for adults, so I sometimes challenge my kids to it
Nishiwaki / 10 years of SUP experience
MSR employee
. Snow areas: Okutadami Maruyama Ski Resort, Mt. Sumon, Mt. Asakusa area. SUP areas: Kashiwazaki, Izumozaki, Kakudahama, Sasagawa Nagare, Ginzanko, Numazawako.
Public relations representative for Mochizuki Co., Ltd., which handles overseas outdoor gear such as MSR and THERM-A-REST. In his private life, he has been hooked on mountain climbing and SUP in the summer and snowboarding in the winter for about 30 years. He still hasn't lost his backpacker spirit and always enjoys business trips as if they were travel.
Instagram:@mar_kagekiya
SUP Fishing|The Case of Snowboarder Yoshito Yanagida
"SUP fishing is a lot of fun because you can freely choose your fishing spot. At the same time, I learned the dangers of wind, swells, and shore break."
I enjoy SUP for fishing. The best part is being able to choose where to fish. When fishing from the shore, I often get frustrated with the crowds of other anglers and the inconvenience of being limited to certain areas
However, with a SUP, you can go out to sea or into coves to fish, eliminating those risks.
Of course, there are dangers involved, but whether you catch anything or not is entirely up to you.
I also think it's great to be able to choose to go to places that you can't go to when fishing from the shore or on a boat. SUP strengthens your inner muscles and relieves back pain, so whenever I get back pain while working on the computer, I try to go for a SUP right away
Yoshito Yanagida / 10 years of SUP experience,
SIJ certified SUP fishing specialist
. Snow area: Yuzawa area, Niigata. SUP area: Seisho, Miho, Shizuoka Prefecture.
He specializes in photographing various extreme sports, primarily snowboarding. He has also expanded his activities to include a wide range of subjects, from celebrities and models to automobile manufacturers.
Having been a snowboarder himself, he continues to create works with the theme of "expressing the coolness of athletes even more." He lives in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and runs a SUP & kayak fishing shop, bifarr, where he also teaches SUP fishing.
Instagram:@yoshitoyanagida
SUP Guide | Skier Ryo Tateshima's Case
"When the water turns into snow and piles up, I slide down the mountains, when the snow melts and flows into the valleys I paddle the rivers, when the water reaches the sea I paddle in the sea, and when it turns into snow again I swim upstream. This never-ending loop of bliss is very pleasant."
Before discovering SUP, I did canoeing and sea kayaking, and inevitably switched to it when it started to become popular. While SUP is often thought of as having strong surfing-like elements, a parallel stance allows for ski-like control. The feeling of water flowing from the top to the tail and the feeling of dropping down the valley as your inside foot bites into the snow like the outside edge are very similar to riding on snow. However, unlike snow, water is liquid, so it can move in all directions. It's important to stand firmly rooted on the board, and I think it also helps improve your skiing skills. I think SUP is the perfect activity for learning the feeling of using your outside and inside feet efficiently when skiing
Okinawa's remote islands are not particularly large, and because they are surrounded by the sea on all sides, you can feel the ocean in a dynamic way. The feeling of paddling around the islands while battling the currents, wind, and sometimes swells is similar to backcountry skiing in winter
The Miyako Islands, made of Ryukyu limestone, have many caves that can only be accessed from the sea, and the sight of abundant spring water flowing out of them is one of their mysterious charms
Ryo Tachishima / 13 years of SUP experience
Waterman SUP Guide
. Snow areas: Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture; Oze National Park; Snow Park Oze Tokura; Marunuma Kogen Ski Resort. SUP areas: Irabu Island, Okinawa Prefecture; Tama River.
He was an alpine skier in his teens. He spent his twenties in the United States, immersing himself in outdoor activities throughout the seasons in vast areas such as the Rocky Mountains, Yukon, and Alaska. After returning to Japan, he works as a backcountry/powder ski guide in winter and a SUP/canoe guide in summer.
Instagram:@waterman_sup_guide @ryo_tateshima