Surfing into Your 90s: The Story of Seiichi Sano and Why Age Is Just a Wave

17 October, 2025

There’s something poetic about riding the ocean: embracing risk, balance, motion, and a sense of freedom. What if I told you someone started surfing at 80—and is still doing it today in his late 80s? Seiichi Sano of Japan is proof that passion, persistence, and an open mind can turn “old age” into just another number.

Seiichi Sano: A Late Bloomer Riding the Waves
Born in Hokkaido in 1933, Sano had a varied life—jobs in post-war Tokyo, business ventures, even climbing Mount Fuji at age 80. Guinness World Records+2Firstpost+2 Shortly after the Fuji climb, he was inspired (by a bank manager who surfed) to give surfing a try. Within three days, he was standing on a beach with a wetsuit and board. UPI+1

Less than a decade later, at 88 years and 288 days, he was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest male person to surf. Guinness World Records+1 He surfs around two to three times a month, often in small waves near Enoshima, embracing the sport on his terms. Even in chilly winter months. Olympics+1

He admits that high waves still make him nervous (“feels like falling from a tall building”) and that physical maintenance—stretching, pacing himself—is important. But he’s not trying to be a pro or chase perfect technique; he just enjoys movement, community, being in the water. Olympics+1

Other Remarkable Stories

• Dale Webster, known as “Daily Wavester,” surfed every single day (at least three waves per day) for over 40 years — from 1975 to 2015. That’s dedication on a whole other level. Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2

What This Means: Rethinking Age & Activity
Seiichi’s story teaches that age doesn’t have to limit you—it often depends on mindset, how you approach risk, how you care for your body, and how you define “success.” These are some takeaways:

• Starting late can still lead to full, meaningful experiences.
• Physical fitness, flexibility, recovery matter (stretching etc.).
• Doing things “for joy” rather than performance reduces pressure and makes consistency possible.

Conclusion
Seiichi Sano won’t be the last to earn the title “oldest surfer” because this record isn’t really about the waves—it’s about showing what’s possible. Age might change what we do, how we do it, but not whether we can ride. So whatever dream’s waiting in your mind—maybe it’s too late, maybe it’s not. Maybe the only limit is the one you tell yourself.

Maybe your next wave awaits.

Image source:
https://www.facebook.com/WavelengthSurfMag