Riding the wave to recovery: Kitaizumi Surf Festival 2023
The 2023 Surf Paradise Executive Committee recently announced that it will hold a surfing event called the “Kitaizumi Surf Festival 2023 Fukushima Reconstruction Support Beach Event @ Minami-soma” from 16 (Sat) to 18 (Mon) September.
Twelve years after the Fukushima disaster, the number of surfers enjoying surfing in the Fukushima area has increased and events are being held, but there are still no major events or competitions like there used to be before the disaster.
Therefore, in order to convey the beauty of the ocean and beach lifestyle and culture on the Kitaizumi coast, the Kitaizumi Surf Festival, a surfing contest and beach event aimed at supporting reconstruction, was organised.
This event will be seen as a great opportunity to promote the Kitaizumi Coast to the rest of the world, and will be attended by top professional surfers from Japan and abroad, at the same time promoting surfing and the traditions and attractions of Fukushima. A live music event is also scheduled to take place.
The competition will feature 32 male and 32 female top professional surfers from Japan. In addition, surfing legends and former world champions from overseas will be specially invited to perform in the exhibition. (Contestants and other details have yet to be announced).
Shinji Murohara, representative of the 2023 Surf Paradise Executive Committee, commented: ‘Through this event, we hope that people will feel the traditions and attractions of Fukushima and Minami Soma, and that as many people as possible will have the opportunity to move to Fukushima and visit the area. He commented.
Outline of the event
Event: Kitaizumi Surf Festival 2023 Fukushima Reconstruction Support Beach Event @ Minami Soma
Dates: Saturday 16 – Monday 18 September
Time: 7:00 – 16:00 (subject to change depending on conditions)
Location: 248-2 Kitaizumi Jizodo, Haramachi-ku, Minami-soma City, Fukushima Prefecture (Kitaizumi Kaihin Koen) (15 minutes by car from JR Joban Line Haranomachi Station, 15 minutes by car from Joban Expressway Minami-soma IC).
Comp format: Men’s 32-surfer tournament, women’s 32-surfer tournament, exhibition for overseas players.