WHERE LIGHT AND WIND ABOUND -Journey into Hote-
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5 1 Newcomers to paddleboarding enjoy a chance to try the sport in the calm water at the mouth of the Kido River during a community-wide event.2 The beach at Kitaizumi meets all the requirements of international surfing competitions.3, 4 The Sun Marine surf shop and its owner, Koji Suzuki. His former place was washed away by the tsunami, so he rebuilt a few kilo-meters farther inland. He’s given it a welcoming South Seas look. 5 This campsite at Tenjinmisaki Sports Park is nestled amid trees; an adjacent one offers larger tent pads equipped with a power supply.6, 7 Rent a rod and purchase a ticket for access to the pier at the Shinchi Marine Fishing Park, where you can fish at a range of depths. 8 The rolling terrain of the Shinchi Pump Track located within Tsurushi Park challenges riders to gain and control their speed with minimum pedaling. 9 Sun Marine owner Suzuki is at one with the waves at Kitaizumi beach. 1 2 3 4 6 7 9 8 Koji Suzuki runs the Sun Marine surf shop in the city of Minamisoma. A veteran surfer of nearly 50 years, he still heads out to the beach at Kitaizumi each morning in hopes of catching some waves. The light on the sea was dazzling when we spotted him out on his board waiting for the next set. He cut a dashing figure riding in to the beach, and fellow surfers called out to him as he came onto shore. Suzuki flashed everyone a smile. Having taught surfing and hosted competitions, all with the aim of establishing his beloved sport in the Hamadori area, he knows the Kitaizumi waters better than anyone, and the surfing community here holds him in high regard. Suzuki tells us that Kitaizumi meets official require-ments for international surfing competitions. “The beach is long, so we can have many surfers on the waves at once,” he explains. “There’s plenty of free parking, as well as toilets and changing facilities. There aren’t many beaches like this in Japan.” It goes without saying that the waves are good, too. Suzuki’s seaside shop was washed away by the 2011 tsunami. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to start all over again, but with the encouragement of his surfing friends, he rebuilt and filled his new shop with items he loves. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and he laughs when he calls it his “retirement retreat.” Suzuki is easy and free-spirited on his board today, but as a young man he approached the sport seriously, traveling the world to participate in competitions. Even first-time surfers who sign up for a lesson with him will find the time spent with this master of the waves a fun and memorable experience.Narahamirai, an organization based in the town of Naraha, focuses on water sports as part of its revital-ization efforts. The group holds occasional stand-up paddleboard (SUP) events and lessons at the mouth of the Kido River and at Kido Dam. Although the former spot lies right at the ocean, the current is light and the pooled water is shallow. Both locations are quiet, with-out waves—just right for beginners. 20More Recreational Activities in the Hamadori AreaSeaside Fun

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