Takumi Nishikawa
NAME: Takumi Nishikawa
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: Sushi Chef
HOMETOWN: La Jolla, CA
INSTA: @takuku_nishi
Takumi grew up in the core surf community of La Jolla, California, where he quickly fell in love with surfing. Rooted in deep Japanese heritage and a family lineage of chefs, Takumi’s passion for food was shaped both by tradition and his love for the ocean. His mission? To spread joy by blowing people’s taste buds out of the water.
Takumi went on to earn a B.S. in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz, focusing on Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. While studying, Takumi found the perfect blend of his passions—cooking up unforgettable meals for his college surf teammates and logging hours in the iconic Santa Cruz lineups like Steamer Lane.
After graduating, he returned to San Diego and leveled up his culinary journey, becoming a full-time omakase sushi chef at the world-renowned Sushi Ota, known for crafting dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
But Takumi’s story goes far beyond food and waves.
During college, a surfing-related concussion led to a stroke that required emergency brain surgery. He left the hospital unable to walk or speak—basic tasks became mountains to climb. But climb he did. After months of rehab, he returned to school and completed his degree. Then, while surfing at Windansea years later, Takumi experienced a seizure in the water. He was found face down, drowning—rescued by fellow surfers and lifeguards. Thanks to the help of those there that day, Takumi is alive today.
Through it all, Takumi has shown strength and resilience that few could imagine. His unwavering positivity, grounded kindness, and sheer grit make him not just an incredible chef and surfer, but an inspiration to everyone around him. Up and Riding is absolutely siked to have this legend and ripping surfer on the team! Takumi has big dreams and we can't wait to support him on his journey!
Takumi keeps surfing. Takumi keeps making sushi. Takumi keeps charging.
Takumi is Up and Riding. Are you?
Chance Gaul
When life gives you lemons, turn them into barrels and air sections. He's made splash in the wave pool world as head wave designer and tester at PSSC. A jedi above the lip and a wizard in the tube.
Nick Broms
What's the Rush! Nick lives life in the fast lane, literally. Einstein set the universal speed limit to 3x10^8 for a reason, but when Nick bombs hills physics ceases to exists. 2x junior downhill skateboarding world champ, he's just getting started.
Charles Hendrickson
BURGOLICIOUS! Marine biologist, NOAA Corps, Big Waves, Big Paddles, Big Fish... This guy does it all. A hardcore charger with a heart of gold!
Takumi Nishikawa
As a sushi chef, surfer, and all-around lover of the ocean, you can always find Takumi slicing it up—whether it’s a perfect open-face right at Windansea or a fresh yellowtail behind the bar at Sushi Ota.
Foster Campbell
A bad ass civil engineer that likes to paddle, surf, ride, and exercise when he's not dialed in on the computer. Watermen's Challenge winner and Catalina Classic runner up, this dude paddles fast!
Naomi Blik
An absolute water woman! Naomi charges.... Ripping surfer, insanely talented SoCal lifeguard, spends more time in the water than out—she is the epitome of KEEP CHARGING!!
Jake Levine
There's a reason the best barrel wave at PSSC is named the slavine. An engineer at heart and a wave design guru by trade, Jake really knows how to get shacked with an Up and Riding.
David Broms
PAPA BROMS!!! One of the best to do it, the man knows how to cook a tri-tip and his forehand power gouges show no lack of protein in his diet. The OG Up and Riding ambassador, official legend, and all around wonderful human!
Dylan Elliott
What happens when you mix surf froth with smarts and then dump the whole lot in Texas.... A Masters degree in Atmospheric Science and a Waco wave pool weapon. This guy can punt on anything and puts QS grovelers to shame.
Sean Templin
The Norcal Core Lord. Solo sessions in 100ft beach break, hunting, fishing, climbing trees. The worlds best big wave underground charger with an amazing family, a huge heart, and froth that has revved the Up and Riding engines since its inception.
Stephen Jones
The Nomad. When he's not getting shacked in Indo he's probably getting shacked in Indo. When Stephen finally exits the tube you'll find him behind a lens, taking pictures of... tubes?
Nate Buck
The ultimate male. Nate saves lives and surfs bombs. He is cool, calm, and collected. A little known fact about Nate is that his brain does not produce fear. When others run away he runs/dives/swims/jumps in and helps those who need help the most.
John Hadley
A real stand up guy! Hadley goes! An endurance powerhouse, Hadley never runs out of steam. If a craft floats, he'll ride it, from foiling to SUP he is always on the water. He also loves olive oil and yes, his goat surfs.
Bob Miller
Some call him Sponge Bob, and others call him the best dad in the entire universe. Self-made surf shop owner and family man, Bob is hard working and hard charging. He's the flame inspiring Up and Riding and all that it stands for.
Miles Miller
Miles is the original team rider. A surf pool engineer by trade and an absolute big wave surfing, fish spearing, long distance paddling weapon!