It has been said that heredity is something you believe in when your child’s report card is all “A”s. When it comes to surfing, this quote fits for Matt Kinoshita, owner and shaper of Kazuma Surfboards, seasoned surfing coach and father of Chaz Kinoshita. In 2008, Chaz won the Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association’s state title in the menehune division, following in the footsteps of older Maui ripper and Kazuma protege, Kai Barger. On his blog, Matt Kinoshita explains, “Kai Barger is one of the most talented surfers that I have ever coached...I decided to train my son Chaz in the identical way.” With corporate sponsors and consistently high contest results, it’s clear that this year’s best local grom is taking his training seriously while also living up to his namesake. BE
This is the second straight year Chaz has won this category, and while he won’t stay young enough to qualify for much longer, it’s safe to assume he’ll keep piling up awards and accolades. The son of Kazuma Surfboards owner and surfing coach Matt Kinoshita, Chaz has blossomed under his father’s tutelage. In May, he won the Boy’s Open division of the Neil Pride HASA competition at Hookipa and, per Punker Pat’s Surf Blog over at rvca.com, got “his feet wet” at Jaws this winter. The only thing bigger than those waves may be what’s in store for this preternaturally gifted grom.
Entertainment and lifestyle news for Maui, Hawaii and the surrounding Islands. Maui Time Weekly is Mauis only independent and locally owned newspaper.
Mail this link to a friend
