Remembering Ken Suzuki and all his “Kenergy”
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a dear Newport Beach local, 24-year old, Ken Suzuki.
Ken was a Newport Harbor High School graduate and in the throes of studying business at Cal State Fullerton. Taken too young, we want to give recognition and condolences to the Suzuki family and the positive light and influence that Ken has left in many hearts of the OC community.
You may have encountered this 28th Street local — whether skimboarding A Street on Balboa or catching Laguna’s finest swells, Ken’s wonderment and passion for the ocean built many friendships, drove his career, and led to sponsorships with Billabong, Exile Skimboards, and Main Street Surf Shop. (He was even nominated for the biggest wave of the year at the Billabong XL awards!)
His admiration for travel, surfing, and his family was reflected through film photography — which he began exploring in the years leading up to his passing, one of his last projects being a booklet called Tomodachi (ともだち = Friend), which was shot on a recent trip to Japan and Bail.
His nickname, “Kenergy,” speaks volumes about the spirit that Ken exuded: full of life, radiating light, and bursting with energy. His positive vitality was constantly spreading to his friends and family.
Ken’s smile and light will be forever missed, but through our tight-knit community, we will be sure to keep the “Kenergy” alive and celebrated everyday.
Today, Laguna Beach Living sits down with the Suzuki family who share, reflect, and remember their dear son and brother...
Tell us a little about Ken for those who didn’t know him.
Ken grew up in Newport Beach after his parents migrated over from Japan in the early 90’s. He went to Newport Elementary and graduated Newport Harbor High School in 2013, before attending Orange Coast College and Cal State Fullerton where he studied business. During the last couple of years, he had a strong passion for film photography, with his photos being showcased in the “Highway 1” group exhibition and various art shows.
Let’s talk about Ken’s love for the ocean! What beaches did he like to spend time at and what activities did he enjoy doing?
Ken grew up right down the street from the beach on 28th Street. He started skimboarding at a young age and would ride down to A Street in Balboa daily. In his teens he became a professional skimboarder, earning sponsorships with Exile Skimboards and Main Street Surf Shop. Soon after he started high school, he decided to expand his obvious watersports skills and gave surfing a try, joining the Newport Harbor Surf Team. As he got older he traveled around the world to both surf and skim in places like Mexico, Hawaii, Japan, Australia, and Bali. He’d often come down to Laguna to skim with 2013 world skimboard champion Blair Conklin and four-time world champ Sam Stinnett, both serving as some of his biggest inspirations.
Can you give a little insight into the beautiful paddle out that honored Ken after his death?
On Monday, June 8th the community gathered together for a paddle out to celebrate Ken’s life. It was a beautiful morning on a glassy ocean littered with flowers and so many people who’s hearts Ken had touched (family, friends, parents, surfers, skimboarders, and skaters). Even people who don’t normally surf experienced the paddle out with the help of experienced surfers who pushed them out, then all the way back in for the love of Ken. When it came time to paddle out, as soon as we set foot in the water, the winds turned offshore and created absolutely amazing waves. From that, we all truly felt his energy. (It should also be noted that he blessed us with good waves for the next three days as well, now forever known as The “Kenergy” Swell.)
How can the community keep his legacy alive?
The community can continue to be inspired by Ken’s passion for creativity, his bright smile, and his joyful Kenergy. In lieu of flowers, friends have created a GoFundMe page in support of his family.
Do you have a special memory with Ken? Share the Kenergy below.
Paddle out photos by Mike Pham.