Age should never limit you; it’s all about mindset. And no one proves this better than Japanese “badass” nonagenarian Seiichi Sano from Kanagawa Prefecture. In July 2022, just shy of 89, Sano was certified by Guinness World Records as the “Oldest Male Surfer”. What’s even more impressive is that he didn’t start surfing until he was 80 years old.
Seiichi Sano, the owner of a construction materials company, still works five days a week at the age of 90. Despite his busy schedule, he always finds time to explore different activities during his free time. He craved another adventure after successfully learning to ski and dance at an older age and climbing Mount Fuji at 80. One day, while gazing at the captivating ocean view from his office window, an idea struck him: Why not try surfing? With unwavering determination, he found a surfing school through a phonebook and enrolled in a course that weekend.
On his first day at the surfing school, Sano astonished his fellow students by standing up on the surfboard. The applause that followed ignited a spark within him. Maybe I can do this, he thought to himself. From that moment on, he fell head over heels for the sport. Seiichi Sano would visit the school once or twice a month, sometimes even staying for extra practice. His surf instructor, 46-year-old Kazuto Shimizu, initially had concerns about Sano’s age and safety. But he was soon amazed by his student’s physicality, matching that of younger students, and his mental fortitude, surpassing them all. Shimizu deeply admires Sano’s spirit.
Just days before his 90th birthday, Sano expanded his surfing repertoire by attempting to surf on one leg. Donning a wetsuit, he entered a wave pool with his trusty longboard. Although success eluded him on that particular day, a sense of unparalleled joy radiated from Sano. He shared, “I’m not seeking to become extraordinary like others. I do these things to enjoy myself. Every part of me, even the failures, is part of the real me.”
During the surfing season, Sano can always be spotted on the Katase Nishihama Beach. Dubbed the “small-wave surfer”, he firmly believes that anyone can enjoy surfing, regardless of the size of the waves. Even though he only rides the small waves and doesn’t chase after big ones, Sano has become an inspiration for young surfers, who think he’s undeniably cool.
As long as his physical condition allows, Sano wishes to continue riding the waves. “I want to surf until I’m 100. If it were today, I could still do it,” he confidently declares.
Sano has always believed that age is just a number, and he never feels incapable when taking on new challenges. Despite some calling him foolish, their words don’t faze him. In fact, he believes they are the fools. Sano hopes his story can inspire others to bravely pursue their dreams, no matter how old.
We thank Sano for proving that age is never a barrier to chasing dreams. He embodies the spirit of Silverithm and serves as a shining example to us all