Who is Takuma Sugi ? A young ripper from Japan

Takuma Sugi (J-7) is a very young and very talented wave and freestyle windsurfer from Japan. The 16 year-old from Zushi in Japan is a regular podium finisher in the PWA boys under 17 category. And this year he was able to win the event in Tenerife (Boys under 17). He loves to jump in strong wind conditions, lands big jumps and his freestyle moves are getting better and better, too. If he continues to improve like the last years, we are very sure that he will achieve his goal to finish within the top 10 soon.

Takuma Sugi Summer Movie Canary Islands 2018

Who is Takuma Sugi?

How old are you? I’m 16 years old

Where do you live in Japan? I live in Zushi, which is also my home spot. It’s a city near Tokyo.

Where did you start windsurfing? I started at Zushi beach, when I was 6.

Who thought you windsurfing? My father taught me 10 years ago.

When did you start to windsurf in waves and when did you start with freestyle? Waves I started when I was 9 years and freestyle with 11.

What was the biggest wave you’ve ever rode? It was a wave in Ho’okipa, Maui.

Which windsurfing spot is your favorite one, not in Japan? My favourite windsurfing spot outside Japan is Pozo Izquierdo.

Takuma Sugi rides Pozo in 2018 (Photo: Carter/PWAworldtour)

Do you have tips for other kids who want to learn windsurfing? Yes, please don’t give up!!! I recommend to continue practicing even if you can’t see the next step.

How popular is freestyle and wave windsurfing in Japan? Waves are more popular than freestyle in Japan.

You are one of the best young Japanese windsurfers and you already compete with the best riders on the world tour. Are you already famous in Japan? Thank you! No, windsurfing isn’t famous at all in Japan. Actually some Japanese people even don’t know windsurfing.

What are your favorite windsurfing moves? In the waves it is the double forward and in freestyle it is the Burner at the moment.

Which windsurfing moves do you practice at the moment? I practice to land Double Forward loops perfectly.

What is your favorite gear set up? Tabou Da Curve 65L, GA-Sails Manic 3.7m, Black Project Fins Thruster 2 x 10.5cm and 17.5cm

What is your weight at the moment? I’m at 64 kg.

Takuma and his favourite gear set (Photo: Carter/PWAworldtour)

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? I don’t know, but I hope my personal windsurfing is better than now. Maybe I can be in the top rankings in the world cup.

Do you have any idols in Windsurfing? Yes. My personal idol is Philip Köster!

What do you like about windsurfing? I like everything about windsurfing!

What do you like besides Windsurfing? I like SUP, surfing, skateboarding …