In Like Flynn

Japan Travel Blog
By Matuse Family Member Flynn Novak

Japan is often referred to as ‘the land of the rising sun.’

I didn’t have much time in my one week stay to investigate this slogan, but I did notice the sun beating down on my face every morning at 5:15 am! I like waking up that early and rising with the sun, mainly because it feels like I’m using the day to it’s full potential. I hate starting the day with the sun already up in full effect, it makes me feel like I’ve missed out on something.

I traveled from the CHAOTIC U.S. Open in Huntington Beach, to the tranquil country sides of Tahara, Japan for a WQS 6 star event. The weather was very warm, with light winds blowing through the humid air for most of our days there. The land was mostly used for cattle fields and agriculture, and the dominant smell blowing through the country side consisted of cows and warm soil. Japan was a much needed switch from hearing people cackle in my ear during the U.S. Open, to listening to the distant chirp of Cicidas and the singing of song birds in the bamboo forests that lined every cow pasture.

My Japanese hosts were, Eli and Hiroaki Suzuki–who I referred to as “the Keeper’s”. They were the owner’s of the Keeper surf shop and Lei Lei’s restaurant. I could easily say that these two people were excellent example’s of how the Japanese are the coolest, hardest working, and most respectful people in the world. Aside from running their surf shop and restaurant, which was conveniently an attachment to their house, The Suzuki’s somehow found time to tend to their 15 guests staying in their home for the surf contest. Anywhere from cooking the most tasteful meals to driving us 10 minutes down to the surf contest, these two were working all day to please their guests.

Most of the time, when I arrive in foreign places, it’s really difficult to feel comfortable. But even for it being my first time in Japan, I couldn’t have felt better even if I were sleeping in my own bed. The vibe of the Keeper’s household gave a very pristine feel of being at home, and that is something that I’ve never felt while traveling to foreign destinations.

As for the contest, we didn’t have great waves. It was anywhere from shoulder to knee high during the week-long event. I ended up making the round of 48 and finishing equal 37th out of the field of 192 competitors. I wasn’t happy with the result, but at least I didn’t travel all the way over there to lose in my first heat. But now that I think of it, even if I was a ‘first round clown’ I still would have had the same amount of enjoyment all due to our most hospitable hosts!

Japan is a very special place that I am sure I’ll return to soon…