In a first for Japan, Hurley Aerial Park @KBP opened in beachside Yuigahama, Kanagawa over the weekend aimed at helping Japan’s surfers to compete on the global stage ahead of the sport’s maiden event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
The facility is a new addition to the area’s Kids Beach Park, a skate park which opened in the summer of 2016. Made a reality by the Japan arm of global surf brand Hurley, the Hurley Aerial Park @KBP is the first of its kind in the country to be located in front of a surf break.
In recent years the world of competitive surfing has seen an increase in points awarded for maneuvers taking place above the lip of the wave - aerials. Where once taking to the air was met by bemusement on the part of contest judges, aerial maneuvers have become an essential weapon in the surfer's arsenal. However, with the ever fluctuating conditions of the waves, practice by repetition of these aerial maneuvers is time consuming to say the least. To this end surfers are turning to skate ramps as a means to get the practice they need in this aspect of the sport.
Facilities like Hurley Aerial Park are already being used for "aerial" programs held in major surfing centers like Australia. In Japan, Hurley Aerial Park @KBP is being trialed over the summer as a resource for surfers at both professional and amateur levels.
Comment from Hurley Japan representative Makishi Yasuto (真喜志 康人):
“Last year saw the introduction through the kids beach park of a new way for children and families to enjoy the area. As a surf brand we thought about how we could contribute so to see this project become a reality is such an amazing feeling.”
“The facility is only open for the summer but, for example, like you might with a short course program of study, surfers can come here and concentrate on improving their aerial game every year. In the future, much like an indoor snow slope, if we can provide this facility for use all year round it could be a really important resource in helping Japanese surfers aim to be among the best in the world at the same time as creating an environment for kids to realise their full potential, something which, as adults, I think we have a duty to do.”
Imoto Kimifumi (井本 公文) Vice Chairman of Japan professional surfing body Nippon Surfing Association (NSA):
“From the point of strengthening our athletes, this trial is really interesting. Of course, competitive surfing isn't just about aerial maneuvers but it remains a fact that the importance of these techniques is known globally.”
“In our focus on the 2020 Olympics, it's important that we are able to help our athletes compete at a global level. I believe that projects like the Hurley Aerial Park will help us to do that.”
Hurley Aerial Park @KBP opened July 15 and will remain open until August 31, 2017
Website (Japanese): http://kids-beach-park.com/
