Vans Duct Tape Surf Festival In Japan Is Biggest Yet

Japan did not disappoint as hosts for the Vans Duct Tape Surf Invitational and Festival. The event saw the biggest spectator turnout of any Vans Duct Tape event, Kugenuma Beach, Fujisawa. The event featured demonstrations of skill, creativity, craftmanship and passion.

Longboard Competitors, Vans Duct Tape

Press Release: Honolua Blomfield and Andy Nieblas Win Big in Japan at the Vans Duct Tape Surf Festival

Legendary Vans Surfer Joel Tudor’s Classic Longboarding Series Premiered in Japan to Fanatical Crowds at Kugenuma Beach in Fujisawa

Making its highly anticipated debut before a massive crowd of fans, the Vans Duct Tape series premiered in Japan for the first time in the competition’s history this past weekend. Arguably one of the most passionate surf scenes in the world, Japanese fans turned out in droves to watch 32 of the best longboarders exhibit their timeless logger style. Hosted at Kugenuma Beach in Fujisawa, the series witnessed its largest turnout ever, humbly recognised by contest director and surf legend Joel Tudor as “a dream come true.”

Featuring a men’s and women’s longboarding competition, live music, skate jams, surf sessions, family-friendly art workshops, and some of the most influential Japanese surf vendors on-site, the Vans Duct Tape Festival provided an unforgettable experience for the community. Heralding Joel Tudor as the ultimate sensei, the competition was held in the highest regard with him at the helm, as he led the next generation of longboarding talent onto Japan’s coveted shores.

In the Women’s competition, decorated logger and former WSL world champion Honolua Blomfield brought elegance to the water, winning her second Vans Duct Tape title since 2018. Blomfield’s unmistakable grace across the surfboard was a sight to see, manoeuvring the picturesque glassy conditions with pure fluidity. Runner up Hallie Rohr shared Blomfield’s enthusiasm, gliding through the waves with an energetic, creative style, ultimately earning her special honours in the group expression session.

In the men’s competition, the ever-talented Andy Nieblas emerged in first place. Nieblas’ eccentric style always brings a modern approach to the contest, setting a new bar for innovation and reminding everyone to always have fun. Meanwhile, Kai Takayama, kin to surf royalty, demonstrated his natural talent of classic logger style, while adding on his own twist. Closing out the weekend in entertaining fashion, Joel brought party waves and paddle races to the beach, inviting all competitors to join in on the merriest expression session we’ve ever seen. Rohr and Nieblas stole the show, with honourable mentions going out to Jared Mell and Tosh Tudor for their amusing efforts overall.

Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational – Japan Results
Men’s Division

1. Andy Nieblas
2. Kaimana Takayama
3. Kaniela Stewart
4. Justin Quintal

Women’s Division

1. Honolua Blomfield
2. Hallie Rohr
3. Kirra Seale
4. Sierra Lerback

Expression Session
Men’s Winner: Andy Nieblas
Women’s Winner: Hallie Rohr

Paddle Races
Men’s Winner: Kevin Skvarna
Women’s Winner: Rosie Jaffurs

Women’s Winner Honolua Blomfield

Women’s finalists

Winner Andy Nieblas

Adding to the festivities, as customary Duct Tape tradition goes, surfers Joel Tudor, Alex Knost and Lee-Ann Curren as well as Pro Skateboarder Andrew Allen inspired the community with an open library of custom, hand-shaped surfboard designs, available to demo over the four days. Following the event, the boards will permanently live at local surf shop Trimoff, for the locals to surf whenever they please. Showcasing her many talents, Lee-Ann Curren also graced the stage with her sultry electronica sounds.

With no signs of slowing down, the 22nd edition of the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational continues to make its mark around the world, honouring surf craftmanship, progression and paying respects to the incredible conditions Japan produced for the world’s best loggers. Arigato, Japan!

Vans Duct Tape Winners

Celebrating the evolution of a surf legacy, the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational and Festival series champions its mission to bring an international collective of surfers, artists, fans and enthusiasts together to honour the progression, craftsmanship and creativity in surf culture and to engage communities around the world that thrive by the sea.

Follow @vanssurf to see the full photo and video recaps from the 22nd edition of the Vans Duct Tape Invitational in Fujisawa, Japan.