In a thrilling announcement on his personal website and social media pages that is sending waves through the SUP Racing world, 17 year-old Shuri “Shrimpy” Araki, renowned for winning 4 ISA World Titles in the last two years as well as for being the youngest ever racer to be crowned a world champion, has revealed his exciting new partnership with the Floridian SUP brand, Flying Fish Board Co.
This momentous decision marks a significant milestone in Shrimpy’s illustrious career, as he embarks on a thrilling new chapter with Flying Fish, signing his first-ever professional contract with a board manufacturer. Speaking about his decision to join forces with Flying Fish, Shrimpy expressed his admiration for the brand’s unparalleled quality and performance. Having been introduced to Flying Fish through his close friend and fellow paddler, Brazilian SUP Racer Eri Tenorio, Shrimpy was immediately captivated by the craftsmanship and precision that defines Flying Fish boards.
“Flying Fish is not just a brand, it’s a symbol of passion and dedication,” Shrimpy remarked. “Their commitment to handcrafting each board with meticulous care and attention to detail truly sets them apart in the industry.”
With his signature model, the “Freedom Shrimpy Pro”, set to be unveiled next month, Shrimpy is eager to showcase the board’s exceptional performance on the global stage. Having spent years honing his skills and pushing the boundaries of SUP racing, Shrimpy is poised to make an indelible mark with Flying Fish by his side.
Reflecting on his journey thus far, Shrimpy expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his father, Takuji Araki whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in shaping his career. From importing custom boards to traversing continents in pursuit of excellence, Shrimpy’s father has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.
As he enters his final year of high school, Shrimpy is determined to continue pushing the boundaries of SUP racing while staying true to his roots and passion for the ocean. With his unique perspective and intimate connection to nature, Shrimpy is poised to revolutionize board design and inspire a new generation of paddlers.
John Meskaukas, the visionary founder of Flying Fish Board Co., shared this morning his excitement about the partnership with Shrimpy, highlighting the serendipitous encounter that sparked their collaboration: “It’s crazy. I met his dad in Thailand when we were standing next to the scales,” Meskaukas reminisced. “He couldn’t believe how light our boards were and he loved the way they looked in the water, so we shipped two boards to him back in January for them to test.” The rest is already history as Meskaukas emphasized the significance of Shrimpy’s decision to join Flying Fish: “This is a big deal for us. Obviously, the fact that one of the best paddlers in the world has chosen our boards strictly because of performance not money.”
In joining forces with Flying Fish, Shrimpy embarks on a new adventure filled with promise and potential. With his sights set on conquering the waves and blazing a trail of success, Shrimpy is ready to write the next chapter of his remarkable journey in the world of SUP racing and we can’t wait to see him race on his new board brand!
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