Chasing Waves
2023 · Documentary · 1 Season · 8 Episodes ·
An docu-series exploring the unique and wonderful surf culture in Japan, highlighting the dramatic push and pull between convention and innovation. By chronicling the lives of both the trendsetters and the traditionalists, the series paints a captivating holistic picture of the global surf industry – from Australian-Japanese surfer, Connor O’Leary to freestyle surfers, Olympic hopefuls and businesspeople trying to make their mark.
Episodes
1. Chasing the DreamIn the wake of surfing's Olympic debut in Tokyo, Chasing Waves shines a spotlight on the people and places that are defining Japan's reach in the global surf culture.
2. Weight of a NationThe weight of a nation rests on Team Japan as the athletes prepare for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Mahina Maeda and Kanoa Igarashi reflect on their multicultural identities.
3. Rising TideIn the wake of surfing's Olympic debut in Japan, we learn there are two types of surfers, those who compete, and those who are "free".
4. LegacyFamily legacy is explored as surfers Sara Kohrogi and Connor O'Leary connect with their Japanese roots.
5. Power of the OceanThe raw power of the ocean is revealed as Mahina Maeda learns to surf big waves and Yuma Takanuki explores the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and a tsunami's devastating impact on the surf community in Fukushima.
6. Ebb and FlowAs the surfers deal with loss and setbacks, some question their pursuit of competitive surfing.
7. UndercurrentsConnor O'Leary fights for a comeback on the WSL Challenger Series, facing off against Olympic silver medalist Kanoa Igarashi in France.
8. Sea of ChangeAs surfing becomes a permanent Olympic sport, the athletes look to the future. Mahina Maeda and Sara Kohrogi return to Japan to learn about a rite of passage they missed while growing up in America.
