Kanoa Igarashi Talks Surfing,
Family, and G-SHOCK

– Earlier, we talked about your father, and from what I’ve seen of your career, it feels like the strength and kindness you exude are deeply connected to the emotional support of your family.

Kanoa: That’s definitely true. My family is one of the most important parts of my life, so it makes sense that they’re a big influence.

– I’d love to hear a story about the Igarashi family that helps us understand you better. Are there any words of wisdom or advice from your father that have stayed with you to this day?

Kanoa: Advice, huh… He’s been giving me advice every day since I was a kid, so it’s hard to narrow it down (laughs). But honestly, I’ve learned more by watching the way he lives his life.
No matter the situation, he treats everyone the same, whether things are tough or happy. His mental stability is unwavering. Seeing that consistency over the years has been the biggest lesson for me.

– So he’s always lived a life guided by unshakable principles.

Kanoa: Yeah, even now, he’s still close with friends he made in elementary school. That kind of loyalty and integrity is something I really admire.

– What’s one thing your mother has taught you that you’re most grateful for?

Kanoa: Ever since I was little, she’s always told me, “Be tough on yourself and kind to others.” After coming back from competitions, I’d sometimes feel so exhausted that I’d think, “I don’t want to train today” or “I’ll skip studying this time.” But then I’d remember her words and push myself to complete whatever task I had set for myself. You can’t grow stronger if you aren’t tough on yourself.

– There’s a saying that “it’s easy to say but hard to do.” Most people might understand this in their heads, but it’s difficult to act on it consistently. You’ve internalized it so well that it seems like second nature.

Kanoa: Even when I win, I remind myself to be tough on myself. If you keep repeating it in your head, it eventually becomes a part of who you are.

– Even when you win? Surely, at least after a victory, you could take a moment to let yourself relax. But that self-discipline must be what helps you maintain such a high standard at the top level.

Kanoa: As an athlete, you’re expected to win all the time, and that’s just the nature of this world. If you’re satisfied with one victory, someone else will quickly overtake you. Even when I win, I keep asking myself what I lacked and what I can improve.
When I lose, I become even more focused, telling myself, “There must be a reason for this result. This is a chance to figure it out.” When you do that, your next win feels even more meaningful than usual.

– That kind of positive-thinking and aggressive approach to life is something fans must find inspiring, making them want to root for you even more. But I can’t quite imagine—do you ever go through slumps?

Kanoa: I wouldn’t say I’ve experienced a slump, but I do feel anxious at times. There will definitely come a day when I lose motivation and feel like my peak has passed.

– How do you deal with those moments?

Kanoa: When I was 18, I thought, “My peak will come in four years.” At 22, I felt, “I can keep going for another four years.” Now at 27, I’m confident I can go until 33. By continually updating my sense of when my peak will be, I believe that the peak I feel at 33 will be even further ahead. Trusting your own instincts takes away the stress and makes everything move in a better direction.

– Your strength seems to come from your ability to reset your mindset and the relentless effort you put in every day. When I interviewed Keanu Chris Kamiyama, a TEAM G-SHOCK rider, he shared something about you that really stayed with me. It made me realize just how extraordinary your efforts are, and it was truly moving.

Kanoa: I remember that moment clearly. I saw Keanu recently in Oceanside, and we talked for a bit. Listening to what you just said, it occurred to me that maybe something I did back then had a positive impact on him, and that makes me happy. But honestly, I did it on purpose.

– On purpose? What do you mean?

Kanoa: I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like anyone to see me practicing on my own. Normally, I’d sneak back into my room through the garage, shower, and act like nothing happened so no one would notice. But that time, I walked straight into the front door, dripping with sweat, and asked Keanu what he was doing. He said he was sleeping, so I casually replied, “Oh, that’s cool. Good for you.”

– What was the message behind that action?

Kanoa: If you truly want to get better, seeing someone else working while you’re resting should make you feel a bit frustrated with yourself. I wanted to communicate that motivation not through words, but through actions. I want Japanese surfers to improve, too, so we can all grow together.

– I see, so that’s how it ties back to your thought in Oceanside about how your actions might have had a positive impact on him. It seems that was the very day Keanu decided to move to the U.S., so your plan worked perfectly.

Kanoa: I can’t wait to see him achieve even more in the future!

– Lastly, can you share a story about your younger brother Keanu?

Kanoa: Keanu can sometimes act tough. Here’s a story from two years ago, when we surfed big waves together in Hawaii for the first time. I said, “The waves are amazing today,” and even though I knew he was scared, he replied, “Yeah, they’re great!”
Then I joked, “Actually, these waves are starting to feel a bit scary,” and he immediately went, “Right? They’re scary, aren’t they?” (laughs). He probably thought he was hiding his fear, but as his brother, I can read even the smallest changes in his expression. I always think to myself, “Big brothers have a way of drawing out their little brothers’ true feelings!”

– That’s such a beautiful sibling dynamic. For Keanu, you must be a rival he respects and the most reliable person he can trust.

– Let’s move on to your connection with G-SHOCK. Do you usually wear a watch when you’re out in the water?

Kanoa: When I’m with my coach, it’s a must, and even when I’m training alone, I always wear one.

– In what situations does it come in handy?

Kanoa: For example, during 30-minute heat training, I set rules for myself—catching three waves in the first 10 minutes, one in the next 10, and two in the final 10. It’s super useful for managing that timing.

– I imagine it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re immersed in surfing, so having a watch must be convenient in those moments.

Kanoa: Honestly, I’d love to just stay out there without being bound by time, so I try not to think about it too much when I’m in the water (laughs). That’s why I mostly use the stopwatch function.

– How exactly do you use the stopwatch function?

Kanoa: At the start of every session, I spend the first 30 minutes timing the intervals between sets. It helps me understand the rhythm of the waves for that day.

For instance, if it takes 15 minutes for a big wave to come through, I’ll ride smaller waves closer to the shore while I wait, then head back to position just in time for the next big set.

– That makes sense. Is that something that could work in the kinds of waves we usually see in Japan?

Kanoa: Absolutely! It’s a great way to make the most of your time and catch waves more efficiently. You should definitely give it a try. I’m pretty accurate—I get the timing right about 80% of the time! (laughs)

【Related item】

– G-SHOCK has released three signature models with you so far. I’ve heard that having your own signature product is a rare honor in the skateboarding and BMX worlds. Is it the same in surfing?

Kanoa: It’s incredibly rare. As far as I know, only six surfers worldwide have ever had their own signature model. So when they first approached me about it, I was like, “Wait, a watch that’s sold globally? With my name on it?” It was so overwhelming that it took me a while to fully process it. To me, it’s like a trophy. At the end of the day, I put my watch next to my trophies at home—it’s that special.

– Could you tell us what you think about the new model you’re wearing today?

Kanoa: I love the sleek metal finish and the fully analog face—it’s sophisticated. The black dial has a rugged vibe that’s really cool, too. Honestly, I think it’s a fantastic piece. The watch I usually wear is more of a tool—it’s essential for when I’m in the water. But this one feels perfect for formal occasions, like going to a nice restaurant in the city.

【Related item】

– This model has a fully analog design with three sub-dials. Would you say you’re more of a digital or analog person when it comes to watches?

Kanoa: I’ve mostly worn digital G-SHOCKs, especially when I’m in the water, so wearing an analog model feels fresh and different. With digital watches, you can glance at the time instantly, but with analog, there’s a slight delay as you read it. That pause creates a moment to appreciate the watch itself, which I find really nice.

– Lastly, what does G-SHOCK mean to you as a brand?

Kanoa: It’s not just about wearing the watches because they sponsor me. It’s about the deep trust and connection I have with them. To me, G-SHOCK feels like family. There’s a sense of comfort knowing they’re always close, supporting me. That’s a huge source of strength when I’m out there battling the waves alone.

– We feel the same way. Seeing you compete while wearing G-SHOCK makes us feel like we’re right there with you, cheering you on with all our hearts. It might be a little early to ask, but how are you feeling about the big competition in LA, four years from now?

Kanoa: Representing Japan is an honor, but LA is also where I was born and raised, so I think it’ll come with its own unique kind of pressure. That said, I’ve already experienced the stage in Tokyo, so I believe I can approach the next one with more composure. If everything aligns with my peak performance, I’m confident I can achieve great results. I’ve already started preparing for that moment.

– You’ve already started preparing?

Kanoa: Some people might think it’s still far away, but four years fly by in no time. For us athletes, there’s always this sense of urgency, like “only four years left.” That’s why the next stage begins the day after Paris ends.

– Lastly, do you have a message for G-SHOCK fans?

Kanoa: G-SHOCK is a brand that has been worn by generations. Kids who grew up seeing their parents wear G-SHOCKs now wear them too. That kind of relationship is already deeply rooted in the brand. In my family, for example, my grandfather had a G-SHOCK, my dad wore one, and now it’s been passed down to me. G-SHOCK is truly an iconic Japanese watch brand.
Having their support gives me strength when competing on the global stage. I think my fans feel a sense of pride and positivity when they see that, which creates a chain reaction that lifts up the entire surfing scene. It’s not just about the design or functionality—there’s a story behind it. I hope people get to know those stories, because it’ll make them love G-SHOCK even more.