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Jerry Parangi on Sport |
To the new ALTs, welcome to Sendai! My name is Jerry Parangi. I come from New Zealand and I’m currently in my second year on ‘the programme’. I’ve been asked to talk about ‘sports’ in Sendai. Well, all I know is what I do – that’s surfing, rugby and the gym.
To start with though, let me say that investing in your health is a great investment, and by joining a gym or club of some kind will make your transition from your home countries to Japan much easier. It’s also a fun way to meet new people, keep fit and relieve your bodies from any ‘hangovers’ - there will be many of these, and remember you’re not alone! There are many friends here just amping to meet, so welcome again.
“Hello Sports”
Location: Kita Sendai. A 5 minute walk from
the Kita Sendai subway and JR train station.
Cost: Y10,000 per month. Annually in September the joining fee is only Y3000
– usually it costs Y30,000.
Comments: Many ALTs go here, as well as other foreigners. It has an indoor swimming
pool, squash courts, a running track and a reasonable range of free weights
and weight machines. Aerobics class, with varying levels of intensity, are very
popular.
“Central”
Location: 1st floor of the Sendai Kokusai (International) Hotel.
Cost: Y10,000 a month. Not sure on joining fees.
Comments: Seen it once and it was a little small for me. Good range of free
weights and hydraulic machines. Indoor pool is small, as is the aerobics class.
“Kirin Sports Centre”
Location: Behind Sendai Station Cost: ???
Comments: Well, I only know that it’s quite
a big sports facility – not that helpful, ay? But, you know, part of the fun
in your Japanese experience is to discover these on your own – you will find
that a day faced with uncertainty often turns out great! So, with a smile and
a sense of adventure, really, what have we got to lose?
There are a few more gyms around that the other JETs can tell you about.
There are many rugby clubs in Sendai. The level isn’t high in some teams but the speed of the game here is incredible. I play in a local team which is ranked second in the Miyagi competition. I’m one of the few foreigners playing here – we need more! Soccer There are a ‘truckload’ of teams here. There is a crew of ALTs who play in a local competition and usually do well. Contact Henry de Bueger for more information.
DANGER!!! IF YOU CAN’T SWIM, DON’T GO SURFING!!! This is very logical, I know, but unfortunately we have lost a few people who have been very inexperienced.
OK, this is my area of expertise. There are many good breaks in Miyagi-ken.
In Sendai, the local spot is Sendai Shinko (Port): This is the local spot in Sendai, a 35 minute drive east out of the city on Route 45. Shinko is a beach break with “A” frame peaks peeling for a decent ride. Typhoon season is August-October. Waves have got up to 12 feet. Sendai Shiko can get very crowded, so learning to surf here can be difficult and dangerous at times.
Gamo: Another surfing beach 5 minutes from Shinko. This is a river mouth surf break and can get epic given the right conditions.
Shichigahama: Beach break, not as good as Shinko or Gamo, but more of a ‘relax-get-tanned’ kind of beach. Good place to learn surfing.
Note: Summer surfing is still quite cold, so a Spring suit is advisable. For Winter surfing, if you’re crazy like me (as I was told!), bring a full suit “Steamer” 5-6mm. Temperatures often get below 8°C. Coldest last year was –1°C – a little chilly, you might say. Equipment here is very expensive, so if you can, buy it at home before you come. I also have friends who are always selling cheap boards. Call me when you get into town to know anything else, OK? Take care, you’re gonna have an awesome time, so don’t worry. Catch you out on the waves.
Jerry