Is Riku Matsumoto Surfing’s New Style Barometer?

Riku Matsumoto was born in Susono, Japan, about two hours from the nearest rideable waves.

At 16, he ventured to the Ments on his own, a place he instantly felt he could call home. And now, at 18, he actually does. Riku lives and works in the Mentawais as a surf guide, all while accruing serious free-surf mileage.

His experience in hollow drainers contributed to a Team Japan victory at the 2025 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout, and his style and flow have certainly swayed Hayden Cox — who might have a soft spot for knock-kneed goofyfoots — into including him on the Haydenshapes roster.

Both an announcement and a celebration, Jungle Brain offers a glimpse into Riku’s dreamy, surf-fantasy fairytale world.

Get envious.