砂川 りこ Rico Sunakawa

砂川 りこ Rico Sunakawa

Surfing coach / Bond Surf manager

Bio

Sunakawa is a second generation pro surfer after her father​,​ legendary surfer Haruhisa Sunagawa. She started surfing in Chiba​,​ Japan as a child​,​ and in 2016 she was ranked 14 by the Japan Pro Surfing Association. She has surfed at beaches all over the world in order to catch the best waves. Now a mother of one​,​ she runs a surf shop and offers a wide range of surf lessons for all levels. Her cheerful and energetic personality is very popular among kids​,​ and she has helped many students grow from no surfing experience to advanced surfers. She still lives in Ichinomiya​,​ Chiba​,​ and enjoys surfing and the local life in Chiba while raising her child. In addition to surfing​,​ she enjoys making sweets​,​ snowboarding​,​ and skateboarding.

Message

Numerous professional surfers are active around the world​,​ and more and more children and adults are taking up surfing in Japan. I believe that the best part of surfing is more than just getting good at the technique. It is to feel refreshed and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Surfing has been a part of my life since I was a child. I am especially good at teaching kids and beginners​,​ having done this for many years. Chiba is famous for its good waves all year round​,​ making it a great environment for serious surfing. I am happy to provide the opportunity for everyone to start surfing and have fun!

Guide Q&A

Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?

Sunakawa is a second generation pro surfer after her father, legendary surfer Haruhisa Sunagawa. She started surfing in Chiba, Japan as a child, and in 2016 she was ranked 14 by the Japan Pro Surfing Association. She has surfed at beaches all over the world in order to catch the best waves. Now a mother of one, she runs a surf shop and offers a wide range of surf lessons for all levels. Her cheerful and energetic personality is very popular among kids, and she has helped many students grow from no surfing experience to advanced surfers. She still lives in Ichinomiya, Chiba, and enjoys surfing and the local life in Chiba while raising her child. In addition to surfing, she enjoys making sweets, snowboarding, and skateboarding.

Q: What does nature represent to you?

Nature can be harsh and cruel. The ocean changes every minute of every day, and no two waves are the same. It is precisely because it is fleeting that I find beauty in it. For me, the closest thing to nature is the ocean, and it is an indispensable part of my life.

Q: What has nature taught you?

The importance of taking on challenges and the joy of coexisting with nature.

Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?

We want you to experience nature to the fullest while also discovering the fun of surfing.

Highlights

Former professional surfer Surf Garden surf shop sales associate Ranked 14 by the Japan Pro Surfing Association (JPSA) in 2016 Languages: Japanese

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