Introducing ASI SUP Instructor: Yuichi Tsuno, Japan

Mr Tsuno is an ASI SUP instructor based in Itogahama, Kyushu, Japan. He has been in the sports apparel industry since 1999 and more recently turned his talents to the surf and stand up paddle production and clothing business before starting his own SUP school in his beautiful part of the world.

We spoke to Mr Tsuno on how he became an ASI SUP Instructor and about his SUP school.

Hi Mr Tsuno, tell us a bit about your background

Born in Oita prefecture in 1970, I moved to a place near Itogahama when I was 5. I often came to Itogahama from elementary school to high school. Besides summer, I often visited the sea with my friends.

After attending Tokyo University, I Worked at a trading company specializing in clothing in Tokyo as a sales person, eventually establishing my own apparel production company in Hong Kong in 1999.

In 2004 we began production of my surf brand, followed in 2014 by my SUP production business.

Itogahama SUP Terrace opened in 2016 in Japan and we are also handling SUP and clothing related products in China.

How did you get started in SUP?

Since we started producing SUP boards and paddles in 2014.

Why did you become an ASI qualified SUP instructor?

I hit the door (a Japanese term meaning I wanted an apprenticeship or to learn a skill) because the ASI is a world-renowned organization and academic institution. I am really appreciative of their support.

What are you doing now?

Currently I am Managing Itogahama SUP Terrace, my SUP school, board rentals, events and SUP product sales business.

l also participate in a regional (locato community) revitalization project.

I am involved in the production and sales of SUP related products such as paddles and leashes alongside OEM production and sales of apparel products (surf pants, rash guards, racing jackets, sports T-shirts, etc).

What do you love about being an ASI SUP instructor?

The teaching materials for the instructors and school operationa are comprehensive and very useful.

Being part of a worldwide network.

As part of the ASI team we can always adhere to the world standards in SUP.

Can you tell us about any memorable or positive stories that have happened whilst instructing?

During the Rugby World Cup in October 2019, a couple of ASI members living in Thailand came to our store from Beppu Onsen (world famous Hot springs in Kyushu Japan), it takes about 1 hour by train and a bus, and tried SUP with us.

It was very good weather and nice surf conditions, they enjoyed SUP, and it was great conditions for SUP surfing. They were very happy.

I wanted to create an experience for kid’s parents to try SUP!

Our shop staff mind their children, whilst they do SUP!

I had a client, his lower body is paralyzed, but he wanted to try SUP, that was his dream. He was extremely determined so I trained him weekly for over a month and his wish came true - he could SUP!

Our local water is shallow, about 3ft, so people are confident to go on a board and water.

There is a fresh market at the cross over the opposite bank. We do SUP activities and SUP shopping, bring the veggies and meat back and do BBQ by the beach. It was really popular and was shown on a local TV show!

We can see beautiful Sunrise from where we paddle, so we do Sunrise SUP sessions for our clients.

We lay on the SUP board, and wait for sunrise, this is a very popular activity.

Thank You

Thanks so much for taking the time to give us some insight into your paddling life and recent experiences, Mr Tsuno.

Find out more about Itogahama Terrace SUP School on their website

Or The ASI website page

If you fancy becoming an ASI SUP instructor like Mr Tsuno then click here to find out how to get started and make your dream job a reality!

About ASI
ASI is an international professional membership and training organisation and governing body for instructors, coaches and schools and clubs in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
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