Surf Nation | China's Surfing History
Clip: Season 7 Episode 1 | 1m 19sVideo has Closed Captions
The creation of a surf program of young Chinese athletes with its eyes set on the Olympics.
In less than a decade, surfing has become a sport in China for both recreation and profession. The country now has a national team and hosts competitions all with its eyes set on the Olympics. How did the Chinese government and a group of international coaches create a program of impressive young athletes in such a short time? Head coach Grant Thomas and assistant coach Matt Clark explain.
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Funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Wyncote Foundation.
Surf Nation | China's Surfing History
Clip: Season 7 Episode 1 | 1m 19sVideo has Closed Captions
In less than a decade, surfing has become a sport in China for both recreation and profession. The country now has a national team and hosts competitions all with its eyes set on the Olympics. How did the Chinese government and a group of international coaches create a program of impressive young athletes in such a short time? Head coach Grant Thomas and assistant coach Matt Clark explain.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship[Matt Clark] I don't know of man other places in the world who have designed a program arou like they have, at the moment.
(crowd cheering) - Whoo-hoo (speaking indistinctl - [Matt] And they're bringing in from other places around the wor 'cause they don't add surfers in - Main thing is wait for the big 'cause the smaller wave are gonna stop breaking now, 'cause the tides coming through.
(translator speaking in Mandarin (hands clapping) - The more time we're spending, we're learning more about the Chinese culture.
From a coaching point of view, it's a little bit more regimente So probably they're a little bit more coachable.
(skateboard wheels rattling) You see their willingness to lea (skateboarders speaking in Mandarin) (instructor laughing) (skater speaking in Mandarin) - We've explained the time it takes to become a good surfer and the leaders wanna short trac You know, if we'd say it takes 1 to become a professional, they wanna do it in 10, But if anyone's gonna do it quicker, it's China.
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Funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Wyncote Foundation.