How Natsumi Taoka Made Her Daydream Her Day Job
Things were not going as planned for Natsumi Taoka. Her board and wetsuit had not made it to Brazil. She was wrapped in a sarong to fend off the wind chill. Conditions, to say the least, looked challenging. But despite the cold and the daunting task ahead, her contagious smile never wavered. Huddled around paper cups of hot coffee, we watched unruly sets pound Macumba Beach, listened for her call time, and danced to stay warm.
Coming into the Vans Duct Tape Invitational in Rio de Janeiro, Natsumi has already accomplished what only an elite few longboarders manage to do: she's made surfing her full-time career. She's a top surfer in Asia with hopes of making the World Longboard Tour this year.
Photos: Jimmy Wilson / Vans
"I feel really lucky for the sponsors I have that allow me to live this lifestyle," Natsumi says. In recent years, it's become even more difficult to find support as already-limited opportunities flow toward Olympic surfing, a shortboard-only enterprise. Though she's no stranger to winning events, prize money does little to help; where Natsumi competes, women still get paid two to three times less than their male counterparts.
For six years, Natsumi worked in marketing full-time while pursuing her professional surfing dream. "It was really hard," she reflects. She knew she wasn't destined to spend her days in front of a computer.
But the hard work she's put in makes the recent changes all the more sweet. After signing with Roxy in the fall and pooling her savings, she's finally quit her day job to focus on surfing.
No wonder she can't stop smiling.
Photo: Molly Lockwood / Sea Maven Magazine
With conditions only getting bigger and wilder, the Vans team called on the Expression Session for the day. In this segment of the world's best anti-contest, surfers ride unique boards and put on a show. The judging criteria rewards style, creativity, personal expression, and party waves.
Natsumi opted for a fish hand-shaped by Mikey February. Paddling out, she disappeared into dark grey, wind-blown towers of water. Then she popped up on a wave a few Natsumis high and made the near-impossible look easy. She turned gracefully all the way to the beach and took her first of many jetski rides back out.
Photo: @p11pics
As the final horn sounded and other competitors returned to the shore, there was no sight of Natsumi. The announcer called for a rescue. Running down the sand to meet her, I saw the fish bouncing in, untethered.
Photo: Molly Lockwood / Sea Maven
Her severed leash in hand, Natsumi returned to the sand just as her win was announced. Her hotel roommate and fellow Duct Tape surfer Mahina Akaka embraced her in a celebratory hug. Natsumi laughed gleefully as she tried to catch her breath.
Enjoying the Duct Tape show post-heat. Right to left: Natsumi, photographer Elise Laine, Mahina, and friend Nicole.
Hanging in the Vans Family palapa with Jun and Kenyu of Surfer’s Journal Japan.
Later, she told me what had happened out there far beyond our line of sight. "I thought, ‘wow, I might drown!’" she exclaimed. The sets were so strong that she could not duckdive, even on the fish. She'd bailed the board and lost it under a heavy three-wave set. "I can't imagine going out there on my longboard," she continued.
But by the time her quarterfinal heat rolled around the next day, the sunshine had blessedly returned, the wind had subsided, and a few friendly corners popped up. She surfed beautifully and placed as a semifinalist, though observers were surprised she didn't go all the way.
Vans Skate Jam fun with Natsumi and Mahina. Photo: Rising Directors
What's next for Natsumi? For now, she's extending her stay in Brazil to surf with her friend and local champion Chloé Calmon. She plans to continue competing around the world and working towards her world title dreams.
At home in Chiba, Natsumi partners with the Surfrider Foundation to host beach clean-ups for children. They learn about micro plastics and make art from the pieces they collect. “I love kids,” she says, her signature smile beaming. “And I love speaking about sustainability and the life I live.”
Between her fearlessness, determination, positivity, and commitment to giving back, Natsumi’s example is an inspiring one. It’s fitting for a future longboarding world champion.
