Ko Okamoto spent the last winter of his teens in the United States.Something was different about this season's voyage.What kind of stimulus did he get on this mountain?Text: Yukie Ueda
"It makes sense to come here at this time of year."
Continuing from last season, Kou said he came to the mammoth during the high season of January and February.
It is said that staying at this time when there are few Japanese people has a different meaning from staying mainly for shooting with teams and friends during the spring season when many Japanese riders visit.
His snowboarding has been practicing halfpipe since he was a kid, and his main purpose was to tournament, but it seems that his vision has changed as he witnessed a wide range of ideas and free styles in the United States.
When it snows, you'll search for terrain, fly around in the powder, slide through parks and pipes on sunny days, and enjoy carving on the snow-packed slopes in the morning.On days when you can't climb the mountain, make jib items in the backyard and play with fun.
A figure of sailing around the mountain at high speed while freely manipulating and hitting the board like a part of one's body.It was as if I was jumping out of a stereotyped snowboard, telling me that this was my snowboard.
In fact, it's all snowboarding.
That doesn't mean that the world that Kou has seen and what he has been aiming for is not wrong.I'm really good at handling snowboards because I've learned the delicate board operation in the special shape of the half pipe.I will handle any genre one after another.The days I spent in the halfpipe since I was a child are the food.
Kou himself may be a turning point as a snowboarder.
At the time when there were few Japanese riders, the appearance of sailing on the slopes with curly hair fluttering and slipping beautifully caught the eyes of the locals.It was often nicknamed "Halfpipe Boy".In the last two seasons, the voyage was gradually but surely recognized by the locals.
In the latter half of this stay, I will participate in the "JLA Banked Slalom" where locals gather for the first time.The organizer, Billy Anderson, also welcomed me, saying, "Since last year, I've always seen Wataru slip."
Kou participates in the men's professional category as the only Japanese.And he won the XNUMXth place.
It would have been disappointing because he was enthusiastic about "standing in the middle of the podium!", But during the two-day tournament, Kou was called out by many people and said "Oh! I know him!" I had a lot of fun when I went to see him.
Kou says he loves this mountain.He says he wants to slip here in the mammoth more than anywhere else.What kind of stimulus did the slightly shy and cool voyage that expressed himself by slipping in this mountain at the end of his teens, just before he turned XNUMX?I can't understand the language and it's frustrating, so I express it by slipping and make friends.And I study words because I want to communicate with my friends.It is exciting to think how this time spent like that will grow the future voyage.
Snowboarding, which is still young, has immense possibilities and paths.The rails already laid are only a part.No matter what environment you are in from an early age, it's up to you to walk the rails you make.The environment is not the only reason.Neither Japan nor overseas is the correct answer.My correct answer is whether or not I can go through the path I believed in.
When I told them that I was finally returning to Japan, the locals laughed and said, "Well, when will I be back?" "Anyway, are you coming soon?"
Of course, Kou will be back here in the spring season, which is now full of warm sunshine.
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Ko Okamoto (Okamoto Wataru)
Born March 1999, 3 years of snowboarding experience.
Sponsor: SALOMON, 686, SMITH, FOOTLAB, Root J Factory, Ryokuen City Osteopathic Institute, KTTAPE, SOCIETY01, FLYHILL
Main results: 14-15 FIS All Japan Championship HP 15rd place, 18-15 Rev Tour Copper mountain victory, 16-XNUMX US open participation, US grand prix XNUMXth place, JLA Banked slalom 2019 pro XNUMXth place
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★ Writer of this article
Yukie Ueda
1973Years1Month22Born on the day.Born in Tokyo.Started snowboarding in Whistler, Canada XNUMXAfter a year of competitions such as half pipe and big air, Garzuru Movie Production “LIL” Launched and led the Japanese girls scene.Moved to the United States on the occasion of marriageSevenContinued professional activities while raising an old son (Trannosuke)Kake.2017Years4Moved to Mammoth Mountain, MoonWhile returning to the competitionMore naturally, he is starting a new life with his family near the mountains.
Sponsor: K2 SNOWBOARDING, Billabong, MORISPO SPAZIO, NEFF, RONIN, A, CORAZON SHIBUYA, LALALA USA
Last year's result: National Snowboard Championship 2018 Legend woman class Halfpipe Winner Boarder cross Winner JLA Banked slalom 2018 Mom class Winner
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