Super Mario Brothers

Halloween 2011 was a little different @ WinBe than in previous years. Instead of a 1 day "Wham-Bam-Thank-you-Ma'am" deal it was stretched over a week with lots of little parties within each class. We needed a costume that was both functional and easily recognisable (while not being too scary). One of Dave's students, Sakura-chan, came up with the suggestion of being the Super Mario Brothers of Nintendo video game fame.

We both fit the basic body types required and without further ado we started looking into putting together costumes. With the season being autumn and heading toward winter, local stockists were out of overalls so Aiko tracked some down from a supplier on the Internet and an order was placed. Next it was across to the 100 yen shop for some hats and felt material, with which we made our badges, buckles and moustaches. We tracked down some white gloves and Bingo, Bob's your uncle!

Mario and Luigi

 The costumes were a hit with young and old so I'd just like to say a big thank you to Sakura-chan for the inspiration!

 Jnr High School

 Kindergarten

 Boys chillin before class

 Adults

 Elementary School

 High School

Elementary School

Super Sunday

Lots of good things going on this past weekend.

Kamogawa local girl, Mizue Oguri, surfed her way into the final of the ASP Women's LQS Pro Longboard Event presented by Real B Voice in Nichinan, Miyazaki, Japan, in only her second ever LQS event placing 2nd to Hiroka Yoshikawa. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
The men's title was taken out by Bonga Perkins from Hawaii. (photos from the ASP website)

The All Blacks, lead by captain Richie McCaw, marched through a challenging semi final with Australia, yet again raising the bar, to claim the second finals berth and will play France next Sunday, Oct 23rd.  (Video highlights HERE)

And lastly, a student of mine, that attends Kisarazu Sogo High School and is a member of their Taiko drumming club, had a show at a local shrine in Amatsu, near Kamogawa.
I have seen his group playing on a YouTube clip at an event near Mt Fuji (see below) and have wanted to see them play live ever since. The Taiko drums are amazing and the passion and energy that goes into playing them puts tingles down your spine.
My hat goes off to them for their dedication and pursuit of excellence as the show was AMAZING. Here are just a couple of pics I took.

Bloom Surf Shop USER'S MEET 2011

This year's Bloom User's Meet is set to take place @ Seaside Point in Kamogawa on Sunday, Oct 9th. That's this weekend! Fingers crossed the sun comes out and the weather warms up a little so that it can be an enjoyable day at the beach for all involved.
To contact Maki@Bloom regarding entries, follow his link on the right hand side 'Bloom Surfshop' for details.

Test Riding the DY-3 shaped by Taro Taniuchi @ Grace

This board was shaped by Taro Taniuchi @ Grace Surfboards in Kamogawa for Dave Yamaya Pro and is his DY-3 Model. It paddles great and feels really solid and smooth when you push it hard on rail turns. I got a lot of confidence in the equipment riding this board and had a lot of fun surfing it!

Huge thanks to Dave for both the photos and lending me his boards to try out and use this weekend in the local K-SOS Contest. Mahalo to Taro Taniuchi @ Grace Surfboards, too!!