YU

Yoshinori Ueda, also known as Y.U, was born in 1954. He is a surfer, surfboard shaper, and the founder of "YU Surfboards." Y.U learned shaping techniques with guidance and influence from Gerry Lopez.  After focusing on Lightning Bolt’s Japanese production during the brand’s heyday, Y.U then founded his own surfboard brand, "YU Surfboards," in 1981. Y.U’s board designs encompass not only shortboards but also a wide range including mid-length, longboards, guns, SUPs, and windsurfing boards. Y.U’s well-renowned board designs have consistently attracted the interest of the world’s top surfers, craftsmen and watermen. Rie Ueda (R.U), Y.U’s son, learned shaping techniques and style from his father. He blends inherited tradition with his own experiences to develop innovative shaping designs.