Shuri Araki Emerges as One of Stand-Up Paddleboarding’s Most Influential Young Racers
Long overdue inclusion in major SUP Team and Brand
Rising SUP star Shuri Araki continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting athletes in international stand-up paddleboarding, blending elite race results with a deep influence on paddling technique and board design.
Raised in Okinawa, Japan, Shuri Araki grew up on some of the world’s most competitive race beaches. From an early age, he trained and competed alongside established SUP legends, gaining invaluable experience in ocean racing, technical courses, and long-distance formats. This unique upbringing helped shape his smooth paddling style, tactical race intelligence, and calm approach under pressure.
Now competing in the Open Class on the international stage, Araki has delivered a series of standout performances at major SUP events, regularly challenging the sport’s top names. Known for his consistency, efficiency, and technical precision, he has earned recognition as one of Japan’s leading SUP racers and a key figure in the new generation of elite paddlers.
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Beyond race results, Shuri Araki is widely respected for his contribution to the evolution of paddling technique and race board development. His deep understanding of water dynamics and body mechanics has made him a valuable voice in performance innovation within the sport.
Looking ahead to 2026, Araki has set his sights on another ICF & ISA Unified World Championship, where he aims to compete at the highest level while continuing to represent Japan on the global SUP scene. Equally important to him is inspiring the next generation of paddlers, particularly young athletes growing up in coastal communities similar to his own in Okinawa.
Shuri is also working closely with his father, Tatsuma Araki, a respected figure in Japanese paddlesports, alongside Starboard’s R&D team on the development of his upcoming signature race board. This collaboration reflects his growing influence not only as a competitor, but as a driver of innovation in high-performance SUP equipment.
As stand-up paddleboarding continues to evolve, Shuri Araki stands out as an athlete shaping both the present and the future of the sport—on the podium, in design rooms, and as a role model for young paddlers worldwide.
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