Japanese surfer/photographer Ken Yashiro believes if you're happy with what you're doing, you're doing it right. It has been more than a decade since a country boy from a coastal village in Chiba, Japan, decided to move to Bangkok to pursue a career in an advertising agency. Yashiro is known by many in Thailand as a Japanese surfer and founder of "SurfAholic Thailand", an online surfing community. His surfing journey began in junior high school.
Catching the first wave
"Back then, surfing was a big fashionable trend. I saw my classmates who got into surfing during a summer holiday and become really good-looking with a nice sun tan. They looked so cool and I just wanted to be like them. Then, there's this movie called Point Break [1991 film starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves] where the lead character has to fight this awe-inspiring wave. So yeah, at first I just wanted to be cool," admits Yashiro with a friendly grin.
Who would have thought that what started out as a teenage impression will evolve into his lifelong passion today.
"For the first two or three months, I wasn't able to catch any wave because I didn't have anyone to teach me. Good thing I didn't give up. When I finally could stand on a surfboard and catch my first wave, it was absolutely rewarding. I still remember the day very clearly."
Yashiro believes surfing has transcended the water sports experience as he describes his 25 years in the ocean as "a lifestyle".
"It's not just about going to the beach and riding the waves," he said. "It allows me to travel to many new places, meet new people and experience new cultures. Plus, I love to make new friends, share our passion together and ultimately become a lifetime friend. It's like a journey and I just enjoy all of it."
Testing the waters
Of all the places he has surfed, like Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Hawaii, California, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia, his favourite now is Thailand. After all, there must have been a reason why he has lived here for more than 10 years.
"Each beach features different waves. Actually, you can find something new in each wave as they are all different. Thailand, in particular, has very beautiful nature and weather where you can surf almost all year long. Now I like Hua Hin because of its vibe and atmosphere, as well as the food and people," he said.
As he travels extensively, the experience has given him more than a surfing adventure.
"Travelling has broadened my perspective and understanding of different cultures. I became multilingual and most importantly learned to respect other people."
Moreover, Yashiro adds that surfing also fascinates him on a deeper level. "It's a kind of addiction, too. While riding waves, I feel a sense of energy from the ocean and nature that makes me feel good within and evokes positive emotions. Surfing is many things at the same time: a way to build friendships, a source of awe, a spiritual connection and a path to self-discovery."
His passion for surfing definitely goes deeper than the surface level. "Surfing is my home where I can take a deep breath and relax," Yashiro concluded.
Shifting in Perspective
For many beginners in Thailand, Yashiro and his fan page are among the go-to places they can find information and encouragement. What many might not know, however, is that he actually once quit surfing. Yashiro recounted his time as a teenager when he wanted to be a professional surfer.
"For about 10 years, I competed almost every month in many competitions in Japan. It was exhausting because results are everything in water sports. I started questioning myself, and at the time I didn't even know why I stopped but I had to because I didn't like it anymore.
"I started working, and my life was without the beach for almost 10 years. When I came to Thailand, I worked a lot in an advertising agency to the point that I felt I had lost my sense of identity. So one day I just bought a ticket to Phuket to sit down and watch the waves. Nature was so satisfying. Then I decided to start surfing again, but this time with a different approach. I surf because it makes me happy."
If surfing is home for Yashiro, it is mainly because it reminds him of nature and his hometown: "Nature reminds me of home where I can unwind and relieve my stress. I'm a nature boy!"
As clichéd as it sounds, "follow your passion" works out for Yashiro. And he intends to keep it this way.
"I don't have a goal in surfing now," Yashiro responded firmly when asked about what he wanted to achieve with his surfing. "I used to be a good surfer who could not enjoy it. That's not cool. You're a winner as long as you enjoy it."
Exploring uncharted waters
It would not be surprising to learn that he actually dabbles in and enjoy many other passion projects as well, from free-diving, football and surf-skating to roaming the city and watching people.
He even tried yoga a few times. "I didn't continue it though. I want to say I love yoga and it makes me feel peaceful, but it wasn't like that. However, after I started free-diving, I have found some peace in my mind underwater as I have to control my mind down there. I should give it another try."
Owning to his rugged good look and lean physique, Yashiro also dabbled in fashion and showbiz sides of things, including being on the cover of Men's Health Singapore twice.
"About a year ago, I had an opportunity to do a show called The Moment with Mainstand Thailand where I travelled all over Thailand, learned about traditional Thai cultures and interacted with local people. Despite my poor language skills, it was a good experience. And I did a bit of modelling, as well. It was so difficult just to stand and pose because I was so nervous. But again, I appreciated the new experiences," said Yashiro.
Like surfing, he has overcome challenges and is now more relaxed in front of the camera, but if you go check out his Instagram account (@kensfoto) on ocean art and underwater photography, it's obvious that behind the camera is where he is in his element the most.
"Photography is my passion and something I do to express myself," he said. "I've witnessed many beautiful scenes of nature in Thailand, so I bought a camera to share my experiences with other people. I don't have fancy techniques, but I would say that my style is to capture unusual moments in nature that we don't get to see every day. It feels great when someone commented that my photos are beautiful."
In regards to how he derives his inspiration, he points to relaxation as a key aspect to generate fresh ideas.
"I think it's because my mental state is neutral and peaceful. For instance, I always come up with new ideas while I'm driving a long distance or flying. Moreover, I love watching documentaries and adventure films. I also study videographers from all over the world to improve my editing skills," he said.
Behind the surfing
Lastly, Yashiro kindly shares some tips for surfing in Thailand.
"A surfing trip is like your life's journey. Your final destination is not the beach and catching waves, but the enjoyment of every moment, from planning your trip to surfing to meeting different people along the way.
"In Thailand, there are many surfing schools and they are lending surfboards, so you can go and start anytime. Surf in the morning because it is less crowded and the waves are better. Make local friends who you can surf with and might be able to give you some advice.
"Don't forget to bring your favourite outfits, accessories and surfing gear for an Instagram post. For me, I wear Longines HydroConquest watch because it suits my lifestyle. I work, travel and do activities in a lot of places from mountains to oceans, so it makes me feel confident as it is 300-metre waterproof and has an anti-scratch ceramic bezel. I can always wear it on my journey and on all occasions. Plus the design is pure elegance."
Versatile in design and function. Longines HydroConquest also features a five-year warranty, Superluminova where it glows and tells the time underwater and silicon balance spring for enhanced accuracy and anti-magnetic field. Yashiro's dial is blue, and Longines HydroConquest also comes in black, gray and green. Exclusively launched in 2022 is the latest edition "HydroConquest Commonwealth Games", which is limited to 2,022 pieces worldwide and only 30 pieces are available in Thailand, to celebrate one of the world's greatest sporting events.
Yashiro concluded, "Whether you get good waves or not, please enjoy every moment. We're so lucky to have such beautiful nature, ocean, sun and beaches in Thailand and we can surf almost the whole year with warm weather. If you're happy with it, it means you're doing it right."
