Kai Uehara

Surfing Background & Career

Born in 1982, Kai Uehara has more than 30 years of surfing experience and over 12 years of experience as a surf guide.

In 2010, he finished equal sixth—the highest-ranked amateur result—in the Pro-Am division of the Billabong Surfing Games presented by SURFING LIFE, which also served as a rider selection event. Following that result, he signed with Billabong.

From 2011 to 2014, he competed in domestic and international events, including JPSA and WQS contests, with a focus on Billabong-sponsored competitions.

In 2012, he accompanied Takumi Nakamura to the King of the Groms event in France as interpreter and coach.

In 2015, he worked as the local Miyazaki coordinator for the Billabong Australia team during STAB magazine’s #realaxe Japan project. That same year, one of his surfing images began appearing in photographer Kazuaki Kuroki’s “Colors of Miyazaki” presentation at Miyazaki Airport.

In 2019, he served as the local coordinator for Laura Enever’s film project, KNOW THE FEELING – Japan.

Today, Kai works as a free surfer, private coach and local surf guide, using decades of ocean experience to help visitors find safer, more suitable waves and make the most of their time in Miyazaki.

Sponsors

Billabong / FCS