Tommaso Pampinella to take on the 2024 Okinawa to Yoron Ocean Downwind race

The Okinawa to Yoron (O2Y) race is a celebrated 30 km downwind ocean competition organized by KANAKA Okinawa. This distinguished event, led by Takuji Araki, Race Director, paddleboarding advocate, Coach and father of Shuri Araki, aka Shrimpy, 4x World SUP Champion and a stand-up paddleboarding sensation, is more than just a race. It is a tribute to the maritime heritage of the ancient Ryukyu seafarers. Competitors navigate the same historic waters, facing both a physical test and a cultural journey.

O2Y holds special significance for Okinawans, as it commemorates the island-hopping traditions of the Ryukyu watermen carried by the seasonal summer breezes. For a decade, KANAKA Okinawa has been hosting SUP races and promoting paddleboarding on Okinawa’s main island. In November 2022, Shuri Araki, native Okinawan made history as the youngest SUP World Champion. This achievement has sparked international interest in visiting the waters that shaped a world champion and serve as a testing ground for athletes seeking new challenges.

Marking its 10th anniversary, the 2024 O2Y will commence on June 28 (weather dependent), featuring an exclusive roster of 30 paddlers ready to brave the waters.

In the run up to the event, TotalSUP caught up with Tommaso Pampinella, 404 Europe x Hippostick Team Rider and Italy’s pro SUP, surf & foil legend, who has just confirmed his participation!

Photo by Claudio Cleri

Hi Tommaso, welcome back to TotalSUP! Wow, the O2Y – You mentioned it was a last minute decision to participate… What was the motivation behind signing up for this unique downwind challenge?

Hi! Yes, it was a last minute decision but I always wanted to participate at this event because i really like this kind of SUP challenges. After the ECA European Championship in Hungary, I really missed the ocean and the Okinawa 2 Yoron is what my head needed.

The O2Y is also a logistic challenge – How you got everything already organised?

Like all the channel crossings, the logistics is very complicated and it‘s part of the race but after having participated at the Molokai 2 Oahu last year everything is easier. But most of the help I had is from Takuji Araki, the Organizer of the race and probably one of the best person I have ever met within our SUP community. Without him I would have never been able to organize everything.

What will be your gear set up for this challenge?

I will use a 404 Ocean board 14×25 and the Hippostick paddle Verve 90. I will use for sure my favourite fin from VLT FINS, the RW model. There are going to be some very challenging ocean conditions so it’s better to use a wider and a stable board.

What’s your vision and expectations for this ocean race?

When I participate at this kind of events the last thing on my mind is thinking about racing against other competitors. It’s all about reading the ocean and surfing bumps after bumps. So my main goal is to clear my mind, enjoy every single stroke and every single wave. Races like this are not only races but challenges against yourself, so I will only think about having fun and having good times during my stay in Okinawa.

Photo by Claudio Cleri

What will be the most rewarding and challenging aspect of this ocean race for you?

For sure the ocean conditions. The ocean always changes and this is what I really like about these kind of races. You have to be prepared for everything and you need lots of ocean experience. I’ve learnt a lot after the M2O and if you never try you never know, so I am sure it will be a very challenging channel crossing because the ocean never pushes you exactly where you want to go so you have to fight against your mind to find the right glide.

Photo by Claudio Cleri

Beyond O2Y, what are your SUP plans?

After this race I’ll be enjoying Summer at home and preparing for the second part of the season, that will probably start in September. But step by step!

Photo by Claudio Cleri

Thank you so much for your time Tommaso. Have a safe journey and one epic DW!

Photo by Claudio Cleri

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*Images courtesy of Tommaso Pampinella