13th Special Edition AQUATIC DIVISION Surfboard ~ Special model created by style master CHABO
BEACHED DAYS' surf gear line, AQUATIC DIVISION, features soft decks and EPS cores, and its surfboards offer a completely different, authentic feel to traditional softboards, making them a best-seller since their release. We spoke to professional surfer Yasushi Yoshida, also known as CHABO, who produced the FAR EAST SERIES, which is specifically tailored to the needs of the Japanese market.
The AQUATIC DIVISION surfboard lineup already included Chris Christenson's mid-length C-BUCKET, glider THE CLIFF, and JJ Wessels' longboard THE COMMONER, but how did you come to produce new boards last year?
I'm usually based in Shonan, so I mainly use single fin logs, but I've also been riding fish a lot in the past. I also use the 2+1 Egg when I want to enjoy turning more and practice. Most of the so-called softboards on the market are tri or single fins. However, for my everyday riding, I prefer twin or I wanted a 2+1 board, so I created a master from a shaped board and produced it.
This became the final product, and was completed as the DOJO featuring COBRA KAI from Fish and 2+1 Egg. When I actually tried it out, I was pleased to find that it was a fun board to ride (laughs). Its friendly design makes it easy to ride, and it can be used as a second board by beginners to intermediate and advanced riders, and can also be enjoyed by the whole family. Last year, we had professional surfer Natsuki Sasako ride it at the CHABORING CHANNEL , and the best thing about it was that even skilled surfers were able to enjoy it.
Also, a local Shonan surfer used the DOJO 6'8" in a local contest and won the championship. I was happy that the board's performance was actually proven in the contest.
Please tell me the recommended fins that go well with each model.
(Chabo on Cobra Kai 6'2")
In Japan, soft-top boards are often seen as being for beginners, but overseas, on days like THE DAY in Malibu or Rincon, there are even super-advanced riders who ride finless, soft boards from the peak and take amazing lines. I'm not saying it has to be the day, but on days when the waves are small and normal surfing isn't fun, it might be fun to try finless or just the side fins on the DOJO, or even COBRA KAI with smaller fins.
Yes, I think the fact that you can have fun with a variety of fins is unique to this model. The possibilities are endless, especially with the 2+1 DOJO, so if you have fins on hand, try changing them out and you might discover something new.
Following on from last year, a softboard area was set up at Kamakura's swimming beach this summer, so surfing was possible even during restricted hours. It's great to be able to enjoy the summer sea safely with your children.
With the larger size of the DOJO, children up to the age of elementary school age can ride the waves together, and older children who are used to the ocean can safely enjoy it on their own. I think it's important for parents to enjoy it together, so I recommend it for families. We hope that BDAD's soft top will be the catalyst for people to fall in love with surfing.
It has a lot of buoyancy and the paddling speed is fast, so it will be perfect for the coming season when your body will feel heavy in a full suit.
Sena, a young surfer from Kugenuma, said he tried it in the head-high waves of a beach break in the middle of winter and had a lot of fun. He also tried finless surfing in bigger waves. I think I'll have a chance to use it not just during the summer, but in the colder months to come!
For more information on BDAD surfboards, click here .
CHABORING CHANNEL → YouTube
Yutaka Yoshida was born in 1981. He is originally from and currently resides in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. He is a longboarder representing Shonan and Kugenuma, renowned for his classic style centered around nose riding. He has won the JPSA special STYLE MASTERS twice and the JPSA Shizunami, among other professional contests. In addition to competing, he has worked as a buyer for one of Japan's leading sports chains and later as a manager at a global select shop. From 2023, he will be running a surfing school at the surfing dojo CHABORING DOJO, where he aims to deepen the exploration and understanding of longboarding, and he also serves as a judge for professional contests.
Interview: Kawazoe Mio: Born and currently living in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. Graduated from the University of California, San Diego, surfing club. With a father who was a first-generation Japanese surfer, Kawazoe encountered overseas culture from an early age. From the early 1990s, she lived in San Diego and Malibu, California, for 10 years, experiencing the longboard revival. After returning to Japan, she became editor-in-chief of ON THE BOARD and worked on GLIDE and other magazines. Using her unique network, she has introduced real California logs and the alternative surf scene to Japan.