At 89, Seiichi Sano has a better surf schedule than most people in their twenties. He paddles out off the coast of Enoshima, Japan, about twice a month. The waves are usually gentle there, which suits him fine since he prefers it that way. What’s more surprising than his routine is the fact that he didn’t pick up surfing until he was nearly 80.
Born in Hokkaido in 1933, Seiichi grew up during a tough period in Japan’s history. He moved to Tokyo after high school and worked through an odd mix of jobs in his early years. There was cabaret work, door duty at clubs, and plenty of hours spent figuring things out on his own. He eventually found his way into the timber business, where he built a small company supplying materials for construction. That business still runs today, and he still manages it.
Surfing, for most of his life, wasn’t part of the picture. He didn’t grow up near the ocean, nor did he fantasize about boards or waves. But one afternoon, a conversation with a bank manager changed everything.
The Surfing Spark
Image via Unsplash/Austin Neill
Seiichi noticed how tan the banker’s skin looked and assumed it came from golf. But when he asked about it, the reply caught him off guard. The banker leaned in and said, “I surf.” That was enough to flip a switch in Seiichi’s mind. Within three days, he found himself at the beach in a wetsuit, ready to try something completely new.
He was simply curious, and he followed through. It turned into regular surf sessions, even in winter, because he liked being out there and moving. He liked the rhythm of the waves, and surfing gave him something his business never had.
Seiichi’s approach is personal. He focuses on little things, like switching stances on the board or pulling off a 180-degree jump. That jump, by the way, is something he figured out by watching an instructor and giving it a shot himself. Now, he can do several in a row. He says he’s never seen anyone else around him do it like that.
World Record, Then Back to the Water
In 2022, Guinness World Records recognized Seiichi as the oldest male surfer. At the time, he was 88 years and 288 days old. He hadn’t planned on applying, but after seeing a video of himself online and checking around to see if anyone older was doing what he was doing, he figured it might be worth submitting his name. No one else had claimed it, so he did.
The certificate means something to him. His story caught the attention of Japanese media and even made its way into a Saturday Night Live segment, where his surfing style was joked about for being a little too relaxed. He didn’t mind. He laughed it off.
A Full Life Beyond the Waves
Surfing is part of his life now, but it doesn’t define him. He still walks long distances—around 10 kilometers a day. He says walking helps him stay clearheaded. He often sings while walking. His favorite artist remains Charles Aznavour, the French-Armenian singer who rose to fame decades ago. Seiichi still listens to the same songs.
He balances his time between business, surfing, and movement, but he’s also interested in trying new things, within reason. Bouldering, maybe. Indoors. Bungee jumping? No chance. That’s where he draws the line. He prefers activities that challenge him physically without throwing safety out the window.
No Lecture, No Formula
Seiichi talks like someone enjoying what he’s doing. He shrugs off compliments and doesn’t act surprised that people are impressed. He says he never considered himself old. Even now, at nearly 91, he still feels like he can try things. That’s what keeps him going.
His coach once admitted he wasn’t sure if someone in their eighties could handle surfing. Injury was a concern. Stamina, too. But Seiichi proved it could be done. Over time, he showed steady progress. And he kept coming back. That consistency made people take notice.
Looking Ahead
Seiichi has talked about surfing until he’s 100. He figures having a reason to move helps him take better care of himself. Living just 20 minutes from Yokohama gives him easy access to the coast. The black-sand beach near Enoshima suits his style. The waves are moderate, but sometimes they surprise him. He admits that big ones still make him nervous. He compares the feeling to falling off a tall building. Then he laughs and says he’ll go back in after catching his breath.
