Takayuki Wakita, a Pipeline warrior

Maybe Takayuki Wakita was always destined to surf #Pipeline.

Born in Japan on December 12th 1971, as the first ever #Pipemasters was kicking off ('I didn't know that until #RandyRarick told me!'), Wakita discovered his #ikigai (or raison d'être) on a trip to the #NorthShore of #Oahu in his late teens: 'it hooked me up from inside of my heart! My ikigai is surfing, surfing Pipeline!'.

He soon gained respect from the locals for his dedication, even when that meant leaving skin on the reef. This earned him a section to be named after him. He now shares his time between his beloved #Banzai Pipeline and Japan, where in 2016, his son @taichiwakita became the #JPSA Rookie of the year, and his daughter @sara_wakita1010 the youngest JPSA pro surfer. The secret to a happy life? 'Respect for Nature, the ocean and other people'. 🙏Word! #freesurfspirit 📷: @photokeoki 🏄: @twakita59360

Wakita in the belly of the beast