Towards the end of Nawang and Rigo’s trip to Japan we took the train down to Ikumi beach in the little town of Toyo.  Ikumi beach is located 2-hours south of Tokushima City near the Tokushima/Kochi prefecture border and is popular for being a world class surfing beach.  Shikoku Island is home to some of Japan’s best surf.  In 1997 Ikumi beach hosted the Tokushima Pro Surfing World Championships.  Our trip to Ikumi was for the sole purpose to take a surf lesson, a first for all of us.  When we arrived on Thursday afternoon, it was raining unfortunately and the surf school instructor said no lessons were being provided, so we had to wait until the next day.  The next morning, we checked-in for a private lesson, including board rentals, and then hit the waves – literally.  Simply making it out into the waters was challenging at Ikumi beach as the waves can be so strong that it can knock you back as you try to make your way out!  In short, surfing was incredibly challenging but worth the trip!…  by the end of the experience, we were all making our way through barrels with ease!    This being the last blog about Nawang and Rigo’s trip to Japan, let me say thanks again for making the trip, it was definitely great times!!  See ya in Cali someday!!