和光 大 Dai Wako

和光 大 Dai Wako

Professional surfer near Tokyo

Bio

Born in 1991 in Kanagawa prefecture​,​ Dai was inspired by his father to begin surfing at an early age. Hoping to become a professional​,​ he moved to Australia upon finishing junior high school​,​ where he surfed and studied the language. At the age of 20​,​ he qualified as a pro and won a championship. After a year of competition​,​ Dai decided that he wanted to see the world​,​ so he embarked on a round-the-world trip. While he was fascinated by the spectacular natural scenery he saw​,​ he also encountered children in the Middle East who were throwing garbage into nature. This scene made him feel a sense of crisis about the natural environment​,​ and he took action. After returning to Japan​,​ he decided to share his thoughts and feelings​,​ and went on the road again to produce a documentary. In June 2021​,​ he completed his first documentary​,​ Breath In The Moment​,​ and held an advance screening in Tokyo. Currently​,​ he is sharing his various experiences of living in the moment and feeling and enjoying nature through videos​,​ photos​,​ and writings​,​ choosing not to be bound by the framework of a water sport professional.

Message

I aim to deliver the essence of surfing​,​ which does not fit into any one mold. Surfing​,​ I believe​,​ is about surrendering your body and mind to the waves. The moment you are on the same wavelength as the one and only wave​,​ your body is filled with a numbing happiness​,​ and all the stresses of everyday life leave you. I will teach you how to ride the waves​,​ not only the technique​,​ but also what kind of board to use and what kind of line to draw. My goal is to make people feel that I am a new kind of surf guide unlike any others.

Guide Q&A

Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?

While seeing the Northern Lights, climbing cliffs hundreds of meters high, and being enveloped in the green room of the waves are all memorable experiences, I always remember the nostalgia of nature that makes me feel refreshed just by seeing the light overflowing from the trees.

Q: What does nature represent to you?

A lifelong teacher who silently reminds me how tiny I am.

Q: What has nature taught you?

To live in the moment.

Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?

I want people to experience what it means to live as a surfer, and to feel it in their hearts.

Highlights

Pro surfer Filmmaker Traveler Founder and director of Breath In The Moment Languages: Japanese​,​ English

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