The Most Stylish Surf Guide in the Mentawai Islands (Video)

Over the last few years, one can identify several Japanese-born pro surfers who bring various flavors and approaches to the pro surfing table. Kaito Ohashi, Amuro Tsuzuki, Hiroto Ohhara and Reno Inaba come to mind. From Olympic medals to US Open titles to standout North Shore performances, Japan holds its own and has for a while.

Considering the evidence below, which features 15 minutes of mind-numbing Indonesian perfection, Riku Matsumoto has subtly positioned himself as one of the most stylish surfers in the world. Born in Susono, Japan, about two hours from the coast, the 19-year-old now lives and works as a surf guide at the surfing playground that is Alaia Mentwai. Yeah, he's stoked.

“I first came to Alaia Mentawai as a guest about four years ago, and the waves were so good I remember not wanting to leave,” Riku tells me. “One thing led to another, and eventually I was given the opportunity to come back and work here.”

Edited by Natsuko Shibata and shot by Dave Mathew and Kainoa Ronquilio, "Empty Miles" is more than just good marketing for the resort. It truly showcases a world-class talent in world-class waves. Most of the clips are from sessions where he was working with guests. Talk about teaching by example. 

The young goofyfoot’s ease in backbreaking tubes also translates to Pipeline, where he helped Team Japan to win the 2025 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, which saw some of the more raw conditions and brutal cleanup sets in recent memory.

Riku's latest body of work marks the first film he’s made since joining the Haydenshapes team this year. The Craig Anderson comparison is not unwarranted. Maybe other guides go for bigger waves or higher airs, but as far as smooth, timeless aesthetics, let's just sit back and applaud Riku.