Chasing Waves

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.

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.

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".

Family legacy is explored as surfers Sara Kohrogi and Connor O'Leary connect with their Japanese roots.

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.

As the surfers deal with loss and setbacks, some question their pursuit of competitive surfing.

Connor O'Leary fights for a comeback on the WSL Challenger Series, facing off against Olympic silver medalist Kanoa Igarashi in France.

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.