Watch: Taro Watanabe Surfs ‘Devastating’ Swell in Peru Before Facing LA Wildfires

Watch Taro Watanabe deal with an enormous Pacific Ocean groundswell hitting Peru in "Nevertheless."

December 12, 2025

This isn’t your average edit. Yes, Taro Watanabe rips into more than a few overhead left walls, but “Nevertheless” covers a hard time in the young man’s life.

Last year, Taro and co. came to score on the back of the same groundswell that lit up Waimea Bay, Jaws, and Maverick’s in late December 2024, but ended up witnessing waves decimate parts of the Peruvian coastline, wrecking ships, closing ports and taking lives. After getting pounded on the biggest waves of his life, Taro returned home to Los Angeles only to have his Malibu home destroyed by wildfires. Yeah, it’s a lot. Compiled and edited by the masterful Quinn Graham, the video notes the juxtaposition of feelings that occurs when surfing brushes with nature at its most brutal.

Taro doesn't go into much detail about the fires that devastated his hometown. But you can tell from the few words he shares how difficult that time in his life was.

Surfing-wise, he's a delight to watch. He has a repertoire of backhand snaps, downcarves and wraps that’s creative and refreshing. I’ve seen him do them in person at Rocky Point; you can hear the water hiss off the rails. When your middle name is “Kelly Slater" (it’s true!), how could you not go hard off the bottom?

This year, the 23-year-old put together a standout part in Snapt5. That’s not just me saying that. That’s from director Logan Dulien. “Not only was it (Taro’s) first time ever filming for his own section in a surf film, but he did it while simultaneously competing on the Challenger Series,” Logan shared on Insta. “Pretty damn impressive and according to a rad text I received from one of surfing’s all-time greats (Taj Burrow), who had some positive feedback on the movie, claimed the Taro section was his personal favorite, and it’s definitely one of mine, too. Maybe more parents should middle name their newborn after the GOAT (Kelly Slater) like Taro’s parents did. Because this kid is quickly becoming one of the most stylish & talented surfers in the game, and I believe eventually he will be on the CT.”

Only time and scores will tell if Taro makes that leap. Nevertheless, his work feels like it's right on track.