On Board with Eric Arakawa

We thought it would be fun to engage Christian Surfers International board member and guru surfboard shaper Eric Arakawa on board meetings, board rooms, and board design.  Dive in and enjoy.

1. Is being a surfboard builder a prerequisite for being on the Christian Surfers International Board?

No it's not.  If it were, we would be in trouble.  Haha!  In fact, being a surfer isn't a prerequisite.  However, having a heart to reach surfers for Jesus is.  Most of the directors that serve on the international board are surfers. It's a pretty diverse group of individuals that bring in a depth of experience, giftings, and professional expertise.

It's a privilege to serve with these dedicated servants who come together 4 times per year (minimum) from multiple countries and continents around the world.  As we reside in 7-8 different time zones, some of the meetings can be a juggling act with schedules, as one is up at 6am and another is hanging on in the meeting after midnight. One of these meetings is face to face, and usually at a location with good surf, which is a nice reprieve from the late night or early morning Zoom meetings.

2. Who is the hardest surfer you have ever had to design a board for, and why?

Michael Ho is the hardest surfer I've had to shape boards for.  He was a perfectionist and very discerning, and I was pretty young and lacked experience. He took me through boot camp as a shaper.  Andy Irons was easy compared to Michael.

3. What is the most influential surfboard you have ever shaped in your boardroom (Shaping bay)?

Honestly, I really don't know if I have shaped anything truly influential. But whatever influence I have as a follower of Jesus Christ, I want to use it to shape people.

4. As a shaper, what is your favourite scripture and why?

Wow, I have so many. One verse I am hanging on to this year is Matthew 4:4  But He answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word the proceeds out of the mouth of God.'" We are living in days of testing, and it is imperative for Christ's followers to feed on God's word, to study it, trust it, practice it, and to teach it.