The functionality and design of the Forbot, as I experienced them while riding it.
After enjoying SUP to the fullest, we headed ashore to go fishing. The complex terrain created by the lava fields around Lake Motosu makes it an ideal spot for lure fishing from the shore. For Mr. Ohashi, who champions “APT FIELD TESTING,” this time spent testing gear in the field is also an opportunity to hone his eye for selecting the right equipment. It’s a moment of quiet concentration after giving it your all on the SUP. Gazing intently at the water’s surface, feeling the pleasant exhaustion and lingering afterglow of the day’s activities, it’s a brief yet blissful moment.
Although Lake Motosu is known primarily as a fishing spot for rainbow trout and brook trout, it’s also famous for being a challenging place to catch fish. But then, out of the blue, he got a bite. As expected, a guy with that kind of luck is in a league of his own.
—What were your impressions of the Forbot board as a product after trying it out?
Ohashi: I can’t really say for sure since I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I really liked the look of it. I liked the logo and the Dazzle camouflage design, too. You could tell from all sorts of little details that it was made by someone who loves military stuff, and there were plenty of moments that made me smile.
—How did you find the functionality of the entire Forbot gear line?
Ohashi: It felt really stable, so even as a first-timer, I felt safe riding it. The life jacket had big pockets, which I thought was great because I could store lures and other gear in them. It really felt like it was designed with fishing while on a SUP in mind.
—Did you feel like you’d like to try SUP again sometime?
Ohashi: Of course I’d love to do that. Wouldn’t it be awesome to go SUP fishing on Lake Biwa? Just imagining camping by the lake and leisurely fishing makes me smile without even realizing it.
—Are more people around you starting to spend time by the water?
Ohashi: I get the impression that it’s definitely on the rise. It feels like water-based activities have become much more accessible than they used to be. I think fishing and SUP are prime examples of this, and I’ve really been feeling that trend firsthand since the pandemic. The same goes for outdoor activities in the mountains—I’ve noticed a huge increase in the number of people around me who go camping and have started taking up additional activities to enjoy alongside it.
Mr. Ohashi has long enjoyed outdoor activities like camping. “But since I started fishing, I’ve been able to gain an even deeper perspective on the outdoors,” he says with a cheerful smile. For him, heading out into the field isn’t just a brief respite or an escape from reality—it’s an essential part of his work that sharpens his observational skills and enriches his store. Whether it’s SUP, fishing, or fashion, when you really delve into them, each helps you develop your own unique perspective while enriching your daily life. Gazing at the crystal-clear waters of Lake Motosu, I found myself realizing this once again.
