Kiwi surf lifesavers plunge into currents and culture of Japan
Surf Lifesaving NZ development team traveled to Fujisawa, Japan, late last year to compete in the 50th Japanese Lifesaving Championships, where they faced off against top athletes from Japan, Europe and Oceania. Beyond the competition, the team embraced Japan's rich cultural heritage, exploring the historic wonders of Kamakura and the vibrant energy of Tokyo. The team was helped to include cultural activities in their itinerary by a Foundation Community Sports Grant.
The team competed at Katase Nishihama Beach, with a backdrop of Mount Fuji in the distance
Flying in from various cities around New Zealand and Australia, the team members arrived on the same day in the beautiful coastal city of Fujisawa, just a two-hour train ride south from Tokyo.
The city captivated us instantly, with the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji rising in the distance, its majestic peak visible from the beach and ocean where we would soon compete. On arriving, we immediately headed out into the surf to train, surrounded by local surfers making the most of a good swell.
This year's Japan Nationals is an important event as it is a celebration of 50 years of the organisation. By celebrating alongside them we are hoping to strengthen our relationship with Surflifesaving Japan with the idea that this will be an ongoing event. In turn, we are looking at hosting their development team when attending the Eastern Region Championships in February 2025 or National Championships in March.
The athletes competed across a range of surf lifesaving disciplines
While practice took up most of our time, on one free afternoon we took the Enoden train line down the scenic coast to visit the iconic Buddha statue at the Kotoku temple in Kamakura, a small beachside city that was once the political centre of medieval Japan.
We arrived at the temple grounds, and the change of vibes from the city was immediate.
The serenity of the place, embraced by lush trees and nature, made it clear this was no ordinary tourist stop. It was a site rich in history and cultural significance—one that drew us in effortlessly.
Visiting the Great Buddha of Kamakura was a highlight of the team's time in Japan
Cast in 1252 and standing at 13.35 meters tall, the bronze Great Buddha, or Daibutsu, is a breathtaking sight, exuding serenity as it sits in the lotus position with its eyes gently closed.
It’s not every day you see a statue that has survived over 700 years of natural disasters and still stands strong. Visiting this iconic, centuries-old landmark was a blend of relaxation, curiosity, and admiration, leaving us in awe of its grandness.
Afterward, we wandered around the temple grounds, where some of us picked up small charms for luck and health. The gardens were peaceful and offered a nice chance to relax.
The three days of intense competition against international teams truly challenged the athletes, but they rose to the occasion, securing outstanding results, including multiple first-place wins and podium finishes.
With competition over, we headed to Tokyo.
To gain a perspective of the immensity of the city, we took the elevator 350m up the Tokyo Skytree
When the doors closed and the elevator began its high-speed ascent, we could actually feel the pressure in our ears changing as we rocketed up the tower; screens inside the lift displayed the rate at which we were travelling.
Once at the top, the view stretched on forever. You could spot the tiny-looking Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, and even Mt. Fuji way off in the distance. On the Tembo viewing deck a glass floor allowed the braver among us to look directly down at the ground 350m below.
We ended our tour with a meal with some of the local athletes who took us to their favourite restaurant serving traditional Japanese food. It was a great opportunity to develop bonds and friendships with other international athletes and exchange ideas and notes on how surf lifesaving differs between our two countries.
A meal out with Japanese surf lifesavers provided an opportunity for the Kiwi athletes to connect with their Japanese counterparts
How special the event and our time in Japan was was summed up by competitor Claudia Kelly:
"Competing under Mount Fuji and generally having the COOLEST time racing and experiencing Japan was made even more special by the people we met and the places we explored."
Racing in a country where English isn't the primary language—while adjusting to long-haul travel, unfamiliar foods, and different event structures—helps develop resilient, adaptable athletes. These experiences prepare them to confidently embrace the challenges of international competition when opportunities arise.
With the World Games set to take place in Chengdu, China, in 2025, many of these athletes have their sights set on the event. Gaining competition experience in Asia beforehand will have been a significant confidence boost as they prepare to perform on the world stage.
The trip will no doubt stay in the minds of the athletes for the rest of their lives and without doubt inspire future travels.
The Foundation's sports programme provides New Zealand sportspeople opportunities to grow more knowledgeable, connected and confident with Asia.
The Foundation's Community Sports Fund provides funding for community sports groups travelling to Asia for sports to include cultural activities to their itineraries.
