Kanoa Igarashi

Japanese professional surfer who competed in the 2020 Olympics and has been a consistent performer on the World Surf League Championship Tour since 2016.

Born in Huntington Beach, California, to a Japanese father and American mother, Kanoa Igarashi emerged from one of surfing's most competitive breeding grounds. Growing up bilingual and bicultural, he began surfing at age three and quickly distinguished himself in junior competitions throughout Southern California. His mixed heritage would later prove pivotal to his career trajectory and cultural significance within the sport. Igarashi qualified for the World Surf League Championship Tour in 2016 at age 18, becoming one of the youngest surfers to reach professional surfing's premier level. His breakthrough came during the 2017-2018 seasons when he established himself as a consistent threat, regularly advancing through competition rounds with his precise, calculated approach to wave riding. Known for his exceptional air game and technical proficiency, he became a fixture in the world's top surfing venues from Pipeline to J-Bay. The surfer's most significant achievements came through his Olympic representation of Japan, a decision he made in 2018 that elevated his profile considerably. He captured silver medals at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, performances that cemented his status among surfing's elite competitors. His World Championship Tour consistency has been remarkable, maintaining his position among the world's top-ranked surfers for nearly a decade while competing against the sport's most established names. Igarashi's impact extends far beyond competitive results. As Japan's most prominent surfer, he has become instrumental in growing the sport's popularity across Asia, particularly following surfing's Olympic debut. His bilingual media presence and cultural bridge-building between American and Japanese surfing communities have made him one of the sport's most recognizable global ambassadors. His technical style and professional approach have influenced a generation of young surfers, while his consistent world-class performances have helped legitimize competitive surfing in markets where the sport was previously considered fringe.

Technical and progressive surfer known for his aerial maneuvers and consistent performance in varying conditions

Helped establish Japan as a competitive surfing nation and was instrumental in surfing's Olympic inclusion

• Olympic Silver Medal (Surfing) Tokyo 2020
• WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Surf Ranch Pro 2021
• WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – MEO Pro Portugal 2022
• WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2022
• WSL Championship Tour Event Winner – Quiksilver Pro France 2019
• ISA World Surfing Games Gold Medal (Team) 2017
• ISA World Surfing Games Individual Gold Medal 2018