This time, we spoke withRiki, who uses FOLBOT'sTACTICAL FOLDING SUP and goes out to sea almost every week.
AlthoughRiki has only been doing outdoor activities for about four years, SUP has become an essential part of his life, to the point where he now chooses 80% of his camping destinations with SUP in mind.
From his encounter with FOLBOT to the camping style that changed after he started SUP, and the connections with friends that grew from that experience.We spoke withRiki about his outdoor life centered around the water.
Riki's Profile: Lives in Hyogo Prefecture. He started outdoor activities through camping and came across FOLBOT's SUP at FIELDSTYLE 2024. Now, he is so passionate about SUP that he goes out to sea almost every week. He enjoys water-based activities such as camping and surfing, with SUP at the center.
Instagram @n1102r
☝Riki, who always participates in the OWNERS MEETING with his nephew
Encounter with FOLBOT ~ "If these people made it, it must be good" ~
ーDid you do outdoor activities before you knew FOLBOT?
Riki: Honestly, I probably haven't been doing outdoor activities for even four years. I got into it after a highly skilled camper from my hometown took me along, and that's how it all started.
ーSo camping was first. How did you come to know FOLBOT from there?
Riki: It was FIELDSTYLE held in May 2024. I really loved playing in the sea, so I was getting a little tired of camping where you just drink, eat, and spend time (laughs). It was just when I was thinking I wanted to do something by the water.
That's when I came across FOLBOT's SUP.
ーWas it quick from there to purchase it?
Riki: Right then and there. The moment I saw the design of the SUP, I thought, "Ah, this is it." I was drawn to it because the design was really cool.
ーDid you actually try it out?
Riki: No, I bought it without trying it (laughs).
I fell for the personality of the staff, and I thought, "If these people made it, it must be good. Yes, I'll buy it." (laughs)
Going to the sea almost every week ~ Camping style chosen with "SUP in mind" ~
ーHow often do you ride it now that you actually have the SUP?
Riki: I go out to sea and ride the SUP almost every week.
Last year's off-season was in mid-December, and this year's season start was in mid-January, so I really only don't ride it for about one month a year (laughs).
☝Going to the sea wearing a wetsuit even in winter. A heavy user who enjoys SUP regardless of the season
ーAlmost all year round, huh (laughs). Did your camping style change too?
Riki: Yes. Now, SUP camping takes up a larger part of my camping.
I used to go to mountain campsites before, but now I choose about 80% of my destinations with SUP in mind, and I camp by the water.
ーDo you have any favorite fields?
Riki: The inner part of Awaji Island. The environment and nature around there are really great.
And also the Sea of Japan. The water is crystal clear, and it's as beautiful as Okinawa. Sometimes I even go on expeditions to the Niyodo River in Kochi Prefecture.
The appeal of FOLBOT's SUP that you feel from using it every week
ーSince you use it almost every week, I'm sure you really feel the durability of the SUP. How is it actually using it?
Riki: FOLBOT's SUP is just really hard to break.
I keep it in the seawater and use it heavily, but there are no noticeable damages, and I can keep using it beautifully. I sometimes see other companies' boards bursting, so I think it's really sturdy.
That's why I even promote it to people around me, saying, "It's definitely good, so please buy it." (laughs)
ーIt's great to hear that from Riki, who uses it every week.
Connections with people that expanded from SUP
ーRiki, you also use FOLBOT's PFD and apparel, right?
Riki: Yes. My PFD, clothes, and hat, almost everything is FOLBOT.
It's just really easy to use. It feels good on the skin, it's easy to put on, and above all, it's not tacky.
I wear it all summer even on weekdays, and I surf with it too. It dries quickly and stays dry, so I really like it. I have about 7 to 8 of them.
☝This day too, coordinated with FOLBOT from hat to wear
ーAlmost complete, huh (laughs). After starting SUP, were there any changes in your lifestyle?
Riki: The best thing was, after all, that I made more connections.
Not only at the Owners Meeting, but when you do SUP at the sea, maybe because the design stands out, you get approached more often.
From there, my connections increased, and I was invited to go camping together. I got approached with SUP in mind a lot more.
ーWe are also happy that you get more friends through FOLBOT.
Riki: Also, I think it's really good that you can ride SUP with family and friends and share the fun.
With snowboarding or other board sports, you inevitably ride alone, so the hurdle is high, and it's difficult to teach.
But with SUP, because the board is stable, if I paddle and take them along, even beginners can enjoy it together.
"Your range of play expands, and the world really expands"
ーFinally, please give a message to those who want to start SUP from now on.
Riki: First of all, I really want you to try SUP.
Go on SUP camping, or enjoy it together with families with children or friends.
Your range of play expands, you make more friends, you have more activities, and the world really expands.
For campers who haven't done SUP yet, I want them to experience the actual coolness and how it feels to ride at a test ride event.
Please come to a test ride event.
I bought it without trying it, though (laughs).
ーThat's Riki-like until the end. Please continue to enjoy many fields with FOLBOT!
ーThrough the interview
Starting from camping, with the encounter with FOLBOT's SUP as a catalyst, now going out to sea almost every week.
The destination changed from mountains to the water, and through SUP, met new friends, and the range of play also expanded.Riki.
From Riki's words, "The world really expands," you can tell that SUP is giving new opportunities to daily play.
Please continue to enjoy Riki-like "water-centered" outdoor life to the fullest with FOLBOT.
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