Malibu Boats teamed up with GoPro and Alliance Wake Magazine last summer for a collaboration trip to fully embrace all things Japanese: rich culture, incredible food and some epic wakeboarding and wakesurfing. Malibu Boats pro riders Massi Piffaretti and Brian Grubb accompanied by the Alliance crew sought to experience all of the amazing things that Japan has to offer through the lens of the newly released GoPro HERO8. “As Japan is on the front-line of consumer electronics, it was fitting that we captured the entire adventure on the newly launched GoPro HERO8, one of the most powerful capturing devices available today,” stated Corey Marotta from Alliance Wake.
First landing in the heart of Japan, the crew embraced Tokyo the best way they knew how: on the water. Starting in the bay and through the internal canals of downtown, Massi and Grubb were able to conquer some more tricky conditions as the current was fast and surrounded by the sea walls. “I think one of the best riding spots was in a canal right by the Rainbow Bridge. We actually got some calm water and were able to smash some double ups. I was pretty stoked to be able to hit some good ones in this crazy place,” exclaimed Massi.
From there the crew traveled to Lake Tamanaka at the base of Mt. Fuji. “When we woke up in the morning, the weather was epic! We had a Malibu 22 MXZ and an Axis A24 at our disposal, and on top of that, the lake was absolute butter. I think that was one of the best days of my life!” says Massi. Transitioning from the buzz of Tokyo to the quietness of Lake Tamanaka was an amazing contrast to encompass the country of Japan. Grubb says it best when he states, “It wasn’t my first trip to Japan, but it was by far the best. Japan is such a culturally rich place, as well as a naturally beautiful country.”
A huge thank you to GoPro, Alliance Wake and most of all Tasker Marine – Tada Abe, Toshiki Yasui and You Hamazaki for their amazing hospitality.