TEAM | Jodi Grassman in Japan

Words & Photos: Jodi Grassman

Getting the opportunity to travel to Japan for the Lake Biwa Open was honestly one of the coolest experiences I’ve had through wakesurfing. It was my first time visiting Japan, and being able to experience it alongside my wife, Chelsea, made it even more special. We spent time exploring Tokyo and Kyoto, riding the bullet train through the countryside, visiting temples, and taking in a culture that was completely different from anything we’ve experienced before. One of the biggest highlights for me was finally seeing Mount Fuji from the bullet train. It’s one of those things you’ve seen in photos your whole life, but seeing it in person was pretty surreal.

Of course, the main reason for the trip was competing on Lake Biwa. It’s crazy to think that wakesurfing can take you all the way across the world and instantly make you feel at home. Even though we all come from different places and speak different languages, everyone shares the same passion for being on the water. Riding my Phase 5 boards behind a Nautique with the mountains surrounding the lake was such a unique experience and definitely one of the most memorable contest sites I’ve ever ridden.

The trip wasn’t without its adventures either. Finding food that fit our tastes was sometimes a challenge, but the ramen absolutely lived up to the hype. Looking back, I’m just incredibly grateful that wakesurfing continues to create opportunities like this. The sport has introduced me to amazing people and allowed me to see places I never would’ve imagined traveling to growing up. Japan was an experience I’ll never forget, and I’m thankful I got to share it with Chelsea and the wakesurf community.