Olympic silver medalist signs with Australian brand after challenging 2024 Championship Tour
Kanoa Igarashi, Japan’s Olympic silver medalist, is making significant changes ahead of the 2024 Championship Tour after a disappointing season. Finishing 17th overall — far from the top 10 spots he typically occupies — Igarashi recognized the need to adapt and evolve for the upcoming year.
One of his major shifts has been in his equipment. The 25-year-old surfer parted ways with Sharpeye and has now signed with JS Industries, an Australian surfboard brand. Early results have been promising, with Igarashi securing a fifth-place finish at the Abu Dhabi event and continuing to perform well at the MEO Rip Curl Pro in Portugal. These new boards, known as Traktors, have already made a noticeable impact on his performances as he aims for a return to the Final 5 and a shot at the world title.
“The boards have been amazing. They feel so good. Working with Jason [Stevenson] has been great. He really takes care of his surfers,” Igarashi shared during a recent trip to Hawaii.
Stevenson, the founder of JS Industries, is known for his close-knit relationship with his athletes. In addition to Igarashi, surfers Marco Mignot and Jeremy Flores also ride for JS, and the team has frequently spoken about the personalized care Stevenson offers. During their time at the Quiksilver house on the North Shore this winter, the trio shared their appreciation for the consistency and reliability of the boards, as well as Stevenson’s generosity in ensuring they have the right equipment.
“When I tell Jason that I need a couple extra boards, he’ll usually send a whole batch to make sure I’m covered. He’s just like, ‘Here’s a few more, try them out, and let me know what you think,’” Mignot said while unboxing a new set of boards.
The personal attention and high-quality equipment provided by JS Industries are critical when competing at the highest level. At such an elite standard, there’s little room for uncertainty or equipment issues, and Stevenson’s consistent support has helped relieve that pressure for his riders. The results, as seen from Igarashi’s improved performances, speak for themselves.