Many of Roopt's share houses are located in the coastal areas of Miyagi Prefecture, allowing residents to enjoy not only seafood but also a variety of marine activities. We hope that Roopt residents and guests will take the opportunity to enjoy Miyagi's marine activities.
This time, we bring you an article about a SUP experience in Ishinomaki City! We enjoyed SUP with a guide from 'Active Life Lab' in the Hamaguri-hama area, located in the northwestern part of the Oshika Peninsula.
Many people hear about SUP often these days but aren't sure what it actually involves. This was my first time trying SUP, and while I was a little nervous, the detailed guidance and numerous opportunities for sea play made it a very fulfilling experience. If you're thinking, "I want to have fun in the sea of Ishinomaki" as the title suggests, please read on.
'Active Life Lab' is operated by Ryodai Miyagi, an environmental activist born and raised with the sea of Ishinomaki. He runs two types of businesses: 'Active Life YADO,' an environmentally-focused guesthouse where people can learn about environmental issues and gather with like-minded individuals, and 'Miyagi Outdoor Lab,' a training facility for enjoying nature through outdoor activities like the SUP experience featured here.
Since the sea of Ishinomaki, where he played as a child, became unsuitable for swimming after the earthquake, he has been engaged in environmental activities and offering programs with the desire to "do something about the sea that was lost in the disaster." In addition to the above, they also conduct monthly beach cleanups and self-catering events, making it a research institute that addresses environmental issues from various angles.
First, we gathered at a small beach hut near Hamaguri-hama, where we filled out consent forms and chatted while introducing ourselves. This beach hut, we were told, was not built by a construction company but by members who gathered with the goal of revitalizing Hamaguri-hama. The interior is quite charming, isn't it?
After putting on wetsuits and life jackets, they carefully explained the terms and usage of the SUP board and paddle. It wasn't just a dry explanation; sudden quizzes like "Mr./Ms. [Name], what is this part called?" made learning fun.
Hamaguri-hama, like other beaches on the Oshika Peninsula, is an inlet with calm waves, making it gentle for SUP beginners. Also, thanks to Mr. Miyagi's guidance, we were able to paddle with peace of mind, which I believe allowed us to "have fun" as mentioned in the title.
First, we got used to standing and paddling on the SUP board. For those without SUP experience, you might wonder, "Can I really stand on just one board on the sea?" but surprisingly, I was able to stand up quickly. You can feel your body's balance more acutely than in daily life, and it might even be an opportunity to get to know your own body better.
Once you get the hang of it, you'll even have the余裕 (yoyū, leeway/room) to strike poses while paddling, like this.
The charm of this SUP experience is feeling the grandeur of nature while paddling. In Hamaguri-hama, where there's not a sound except for the clear chirping of birds, you see small fish and seaweed in the sea, and trees and rock faces jump out at you when you look at the mountains. Surrounded by such magnificent nature, you even feel a sense of your mind clearing as you forget all the worries of daily life.
Also, falling is one of the joys of SUP, not just paddling. It's what you might call a "splash." Being thrown into the sea with a splash is surprisingly refreshing, and you can have fun splashing in interesting ways or intentionally pushing others in, allowing you to return to your childlike self and have a blast.
There's an uninhabited beach inaccessible by car, and we stopped there as a rest spot during the SUP trip. While resting and drinking tea, we took a short walk towards the mountains, picked up some seaweed, and skipped stones together. We enjoyed activities beyond just SUP, and all participants had a great time. I used to play a lot in the sea when I was little, so it felt like reminiscing about the past.
The 3-hour SUP experience was so fulfilling that it felt like it ended in no time. Getting centered in a natural environment and having fun playing in the sea made it a moment of complete physical and mental refreshment!
After experiencing my first SUP with Active Life Lab, the first thing I thought was, "It's important to return to your childlike self." As adults, we carry many burdens in our daily lives, but precisely because of that, taking time to forget everything and have fun allows our mind and body to refresh, making our daily lives more fulfilling.
Mr. Miyagi provides careful guidance, and it's an activity that can be enjoyed even if you can't swim, so I felt it's a marine activity anyone can enjoy. If this article has piqued your interest, please search for "Active Life Lab"!
Roopt, which operates share houses in Miyagi Prefecture, accepts not only long-term residents but also offers accommodation and short-term stays. Stays from one night, or short-term stays of a week or a month tailored to individual lifestyles, are possible.
Also, Active Life Lab's SUP experience includes rental of all equipment, such as SUP boards and wetsuits, so you can enjoy SUP with just yourself. Stays just for the summer are also very welcome, so if you're looking to "do SUP in Miyagi," please feel free to contact us.
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