Seiichi Sano, a Japanese surfer, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest male surfer. At almost 90 years old, he aims to continue surfing until he reaches 100 years old. Sano’s journey began at the age of 80, when he climbed Mt. Fuji and decided to take up surfing.
A Busy Life
For most of his life, Sano was a busy company owner. However, after climbing Mt. Fuji, he found surfing to be a new challenge. On weekends, he frequently visits the black-sand beach near Enoshima, which is just a 20-minute distance from his residence close to Yokohama.
Inspiration and Respect
Sano’s inspiration for surfing came from an employee at his local bank who always had a tan and did not look like a typical banker. His secret, he said, was surfing. As a result, Sano pursued his interest and eventually found a surfing instructor. Despite being older than his fellow surfers, Sano inspires young surfers and is respected by them.
Sano’s instructor, Kazuto Shimizu, was surprised at how physically fit he was for his age. He was most worried that Sano would get injured, but Sano’s serious stretching routine and active lifestyle have kept him in good shape.
Small Wave Surfer
Sano considers himself a “small-wave surfer” out of respect for those who surf well. He does not consider himself an old man and never has.
Sano expresses his belief in his ability to continue improving in surfing and finding enjoyment in the sport. He frequently paddles out and attempts tricks on the board, occasionally falling into shallow water. Sano emphasizes the importance of having fun and not stressing out, rather than focusing on being perfect in the sport.
Surfing as a Stress Reliever
Sano still runs a business that supplies timber to construction companies and works 9-to-5 at the job. Surfing is a stress reliever for him. During his breaks, he likes to float on his back in the water, with his legs draped over his blue and white board, away from the shore.
Sano said that surfing is life itself. He added, “If I describe it in one word, I think it really applies to me right now.” He is always looking for new challenges and suggested that he might try bouldering next. However, he ruled out bungee-jumping because it is too scary.
Respect from Younger Surfers
Enoshima’s smaller waves are a perfect fit for Sano, who joined a group of hundreds of surfers on Thursday, eagerly waiting for the arrival of larger waves. Among the younger surfers, several were either in elementary school or junior high and also learned to surf under Sano’s instructor, Kazuto Shimizu. They couldn’t help but boast about their “great-grandfather” in the sport.
12-year-old Iroha Shimabukuro said, “I think age doesn’t matter in surfing.” Added her twin sister, Fuka: “He’s more like a family member regardless of age.” “I think he’s amazing,” said their younger brother, Shua.
Rokka Saito, another surfer in the group of four, expressed her admiration for Sano. She said she respected him for his dedication to the sport. Sano’s commitment to surfing has driven him to prioritize his health as he grows older.
He believes that having a goal of surfing until he reaches 100 years old motivates him to lead a healthy lifestyle. According to Sano, he takes better care of himself now than he did in the past, and having this goal has helped him stay on track.
