Chasing Waves

Synopsis

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.

First Air Date: 2023-01-11

Last Air Date: 2023-01-11

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 8

Created By: Christopher G. Cowen

Networks: Disney+

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Connor O'Leary as Self
Mahina Maeda as Self
Hiroto Ohhara as Self
Sara Kohrogi as Self
Shino Matsuda as Self
Kanoa Igarashi as Self

Seasons

Season 1 (2023)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Chasing the Dream (2023-01-11)

In 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.
Ep. 2: Weight of a Nation (2023-01-11)

The 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.
Ep. 3: Rising Tide (2023-01-11)

In 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".
Ep. 4: Legacy (2023-01-11)

Family legacy is explored as surfers Sara Kohrogi and Connor O'Leary connect with their Japanese roots.
Ep. 5: Power of the Ocean (2023-01-11)

The 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.
Ep. 6: Ebb and Flow (2023-01-11)

As the surfers deal with loss and setbacks, some question their pursuit of competitive surfing.
Ep. 7: Undercurrents (2023-01-11)

Connor O'Leary fights for a comeback on the WSL Challenger Series, facing off against Olympic silver medalist Kanoa Igarashi in France.
Ep. 8: Sea of Change (2023-01-11)

As 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.