Let's head to the lake.
On the day of the shoot, we were in the midst of the rainy season, and thick clouds unfortunately obscured the summit of Mount Fuji. Even so, the surface of Lake Motosu was incredibly calm, and the water was so clear that you could see all the way to the bottom. I found myself standing up straight without even thinking about it, and the tension that had built up in my body from city life naturally began to melt away. “I’ve always had this vague image of SUP as something women do for yoga, so I’d never really had a chance to try it before,” Mr. Ohashi said with a wry smile. Yet, as he put on his life jacket and grabbed his paddle, his expression took on a boyish, lively glow. Mr. Ohashi, who initially took up fishing for work without knowing the first thing about it and found himself completely hooked before he knew it, seems to be feeling that same curiosity stirring within him today.
—This was your first time trying SUP, right?
Ohashi: That's right. It's my first time trying SUP, and actually, it's the first time I've even seen or touched one in person (laughs). I'd occasionally spot them from a distance at fishing spots—with women doing yoga on them—and to be honest, that was pretty much the only image I had of them.
—What was it like to actually ride it?
Ohashi: I was surprised by how intense the workout was—much more than I expected. It really works the lower body, and you use your core quite a bit, too. It doesn’t feel like you’re just relaxing; you can actually feel your leg muscles working hard. Yet, mentally and emotionally, you naturally feel relaxed. Even though my body gets tired, mentally it feels more like a form of healing. It was a sensation I’d never experienced before.
—Compared to fishing and other outdoor activities, was there anything that made you feel this was unique to SUP?
Ohashi: It’s like you get so much out of it even though you don’t need much gear. Just being out on the water makes such a huge difference in how you feel. For example, when I go fishing alone, even though my body gets tired, my mind feels clear, and I feel like I’m fully recharged overall—but with SUP, I feel that effect even more directly.
—You fell into the lake once while stand-up paddleboarding, didn't you?
Ohashi: Yeah, I went all out (lol). But to be honest, right up until I fell, I was constantly thinking, “Don’t fall, don’t fall,” so I was so focused on that I didn’t have the mental bandwidth to look around. But once I fell, I just thought, “Oh, whatever,” and it was like my field of vision suddenly opened up—I felt free, both mentally and physically. It was way more fun after I fell.
Just when I was starting to get the hang of it, I lost my balance—the usual story. But thanks to the life jacket, even after falling in, I still have this smile.
—Is there a connection between your approach to buying for the store and how you choose gear for your own outdoor adventures?
Ohashi: I’m not sure—I haven’t really thought about it consciously, but I’m sure there’s naturally some connection somewhere. Even before I started fishing, I used to go to Bass Pro Shops (a famous American outdoor and fishing store) to buy supplies, but back then, I’d skip right past the fishing section entirely. But once I started fishing, I naturally found myself stopping by the fishing section. By actually doing it myself, I’ve come to understand the purpose and appeal of the gear. It really is important to experience things for yourself, no matter what it is.
—What is your definition of “good tools,” Mr. Ohashi?
Ohashi: Functionality is obviously important, but when I really think about it, you can’t judge something solely by its appearance. For example, even if it’s something I’ve just acquired, it needs to fit seamlessly into the things I already own, without feeling out of place. Whether it’s the design, the color scheme, or the shape—it’s not about whether a lot of decoration is good or bad. I think a good tool for me is something that intuitively and naturally fits into my collection. I believe that’s also connected to what makes our shop unique and what makes me who I am.
