SP Bindings × TEAM RECT
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Freely Playing Between Freedom and Form — “RECT Style”
Now in its second year since being named, RECT Style continues to take shape.
As each rider’s individuality resonates and overlaps, a shared aesthetic has emerged. We sat down with the riders of TEAM RECT and SP Bindings, who support their riding from the ground up, to talk about their style.
Q1: What does “RECT Style” mean to you?
Yunosuke Sugaya:
To me, RECT Style is about building your own riding from scratch. It’s not just about throwing tricks or making clean turns—it’s about thinking through why you move the way you do, and choosing each movement with intention. I value the meaning behind riding, not just how flashy it looks.
Yuichiro Suguro:
RECT Style is about not separating turns and tricks, but letting everything melt into one continuous flow. Each member pursues their own identity through free thinking, and that originality is the true strength of TEAM RECT.
Q2: This is your second year as a team—have you noticed any changes?
Yunosuke Sugaya:
Our discussions and feedback around riding have become much deeper compared to the first year. Even when watching the same footage, everyone sees different things. By putting those perspectives into words and sharing them, I’ve been able to organize my own sensations better. Our riding precision has improved, and I think that clearly shows in the footage.
Konosuke Sugaya:
We’ve grown beyond individual strength and into a team that truly pushes each other. That synergy is definitely raising the overall quality of everyone’s riding.
Yuichiro Suguro:
Each member now communicates their own RECT Style in their own way, even though our locations and activities differ. As individual expression becomes stronger, the team’s presence as a whole has also grown.
Sorato Sohara:
Compared to the first year, the team’s overall awareness has clearly risen. During filming, we’re much more conscious of angles, timing, and how tricks are presented.
Riku Sekiya:
As a team, we’ve become more proactive in filming and sharing content, which has strengthened our sense of unity.
Q3: When do you feel your own “RECT-ness” or individuality comes through most?
Yunosuke Sugaya:
I focus a lot on transitions between movements—how one trick ends and flows into the next. That natural continuity and cohesion is where my personal style really shows.
Konosuke Sugaya:
It’s the balance between dynamism and cleanliness. Every trick should have impact, but without waste. I put intention into every single move so it sticks in the viewer’s memory.
Yuichiro Suguro:
Carving turns are my strength. I adapt my board and body movements to changes in snow and terrain, aiming to give each turn its own expression based on experience.
Sorato Sohara:
I’m good at using terrain. I look for drops, walls, and natural features around the resort and play with them. Creativity in how you ride—that’s my style.
Riku Sekiya:
Speed and sharpness are my weapons. Especially when transitioning from tricks into turns, I focus on control and smooth deployment. I want my riding to feel good just to watch.
Q4: What parts of RECT Style still feel unfinished? What do you want to challenge next?
Yunosuke Sugaya:
Honestly, the word “complete” feels strange to me. Riding is always changing. Your environment, your gear, your body—everything shifts every year. Finding movements that fit who you are right now, and noticing those changes, is what leads to progression.
Konosuke Sugaya:
I want to challenge more dynamic, visually powerful tricks while making each rider’s individuality stand out even more. There’s still plenty of room to evolve.
Yuichiro Suguro:
I’m fine with everything staying unfinished—that keeps motivation high. That said, I feel behind others in trick count and refinement, so I want to rebuild my fundamentals.
Sorato Sohara:
Rather than chasing specific tricks, I want to keep improving the quality of what I can already do—sharing knowledge within the team and leveling up together.
Riku Sekiya:
There are many tricks I want to try, but more than that, I want to deepen my individuality—to the point where people instantly recognize my riding.
Q5: In what situation does RECT Style shine the most?
Yunosuke Sugaya:
On groomed runs with solid snow where your movements are clearly reflected. When the nuances of riding come through both to the rider and the viewer, RECT Style really stands out.
Konosuke Sugaya:
Moments when the board and body move in opposing directions. That clash between bold motion and style is where RECT really shines.
Yuichiro Suguro:
Early morning corduroy under a clear sky is unbeatable. Conditions aren’t always perfect on filming days, but no situation tops a flawless bluebird morning.
Sorato Sohara:
When the whole team rides the same run together. Individuality within a shared flow—that kind of session looks the best.
Riku Sekiya:
Definitely when we’re riding together. Sessions spark new ideas and elevate everyone’s riding.
Q6: How do SP Bindings complement RECT Style?
Yunosuke Sugaya:
SP gives incredibly clear feedback from the snow. You can feel whether you’re riding on an edge or a point—everything comes through directly. It draws out necessary movement and eliminates waste. Truly trustworthy gear.
Konosuke Sugaya:
SP is essential for pushing RECT Style beyond its limits. It responds precisely to each rider and brings out their full potential.
Yuichiro Suguro:
The thin aluminum baseplate gives delicate board feel you can rely on anywhere. I ride the CORE model—its flexibility perfectly suits my style of freely controlling the board.
Sorato Sohara:
In one word: perfect. I can’t imagine riding anything else for the rest of my snowboarding life. Only SP keeps up with my movement.
Riku Sekiya:
SP transmits snow feel directly, so your riding is expressed exactly as it is. That’s why individuality naturally comes through—it’s a perfect match for RECT Style.
Q7: What do you want viewers to feel when watching RECT riding?
Yunosuke Sugaya:
Not just “that looks good,” but “why does that movement work like that?” Flow, intention, reasoning—I hope people feel the thinking behind the riding.
Konosuke Sugaya:
RECT represents a new style—dynamic, stylish, and timeless. We seriously aim to be the most eye-catching riders on the mountain.
Q8: What walls does TEAM RECT want to break through next?
Yunosuke Sugaya:
I want to expand the range of movement—not trick variety, but combinations and timing that completely change the impression of riding.
Konosuke Sugaya:
To keep chasing riding that people admire. That’s RECT’s ongoing goal.
Yuichiro Suguro:
I want us to strengthen our unity while highlighting individuality. Personally, I aim for more aggressive riding.
Sorato Sohara:
We want to become a team that resonates globally, not just in Japan.
Riku Sekiya:
As a collective of individuality, we want to communicate more outwardly—through riding and visual storytelling—expanding what’s possible on snow.
Even though “style” is a single word, the thoughts and approaches behind it differ for every rider. Yet within their words lies a shared philosophy: movement with meaning, intention with flow.
Not completion, but the value of being unfinished—TEAM RECT’s riding is filled with that question, and with possibility.