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.
Cast: Connor O'Leary, Mahina Maeda, Hiroto Ohhara
Season 1
8 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.TV-PGCC42minJan 11, 2023
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.TV-PGCC44minJan 11, 2023
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".TV-PGCC40minJan 11, 2023
4. LegacyFamily legacy is explored as surfers Sara Kohrogi and Connor O'Leary connect with their Japanese roots.TV-PGCC47minJan 11, 2023
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.TV-PGCC42minJan 11, 2023
6. Ebb and FlowAs the surfers deal with loss and setbacks, some question their pursuit of competitive surfing.TV-PGCC39minJan 11, 2023
7. UndercurrentsConnor O'Leary fights for a comeback on the WSL Challenger Series, facing off against Olympic silver medalist Kanoa Igarashi in France.TV-PGCC35minJan 11, 2023
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.TV-PGCC50minJan 11, 2023
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Chasing Waves
To honour the past. To pursue a dream. To fuel the soul.
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.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Christopher G. Cowen
- Studio
- Boardwalk Pictures, STATION 10 Media
Maturity rating
TV-PGCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
