A new star in the bodyboarding world has emerged! At just 15 years old, she’s already making waves with a powerful style and surf, showing everyone that she’s coming with a lot of motivation.
Born in Antofagasta, Chile, she’s been practicing bodyboarding for 7 years. Her favorite trick is the roll, and her favorite wave in Chile is La Punta 2 in Iquique, where she recently secured second place in the women’s open category — her first podium finish.
Meet a girl with an endless smile who loves the ocean and the waves. Without a doubt, she’s going to give us many more great moments in our passion called bodyboarding.
From IBC, we’re excited to bring you this exclusive interview with:
- How did you get started in bodyboarding, and what motivated you?
I started bodyboarding thanks to my dad, Arturo Soto. He showed me the sport when I was about 8 years old, and I developed my skills at his bodyboarding school, “Budeo.” That’s where I first rode waves and learned my first tricks. My motivation has always been my love for the sport and the beach life — spending hours in the ocean with my friends, enjoying the waves. Now, one of my main goals is to reach my ideal surfing style, find my own vibe, and become one of the best riders in the world — a role model.
- You became the breakout rider at the Iquique Bodyboard Pro 2025, finishing second at just 15. What did that result mean to you, especially representing your country in a global event?
I couldn’t believe what I was living — I was actually fulfilling a dream. I didn’t expect to go that far; I didn’t have much confidence in myself. But as I kept winning heats and doing better each time, I gained more trust in my abilities. Showing my skills and progress at a world contest was so exciting. I’ve traveled to compete many times and often got knocked out early, feeling like I could’ve done more. So, this was a huge surprise for me and everyone around me — a big leap forward. Now I’ve made it to my first podium in an IBC event, even in the open category — I hadn’t achieved that in junior women before. This win has fueled my desire to keep winning and to never forget the thrill of victory. Representing my country was a unique experience — I’d never felt that high before. The support I received was a huge motivation; it made me more committed to my goals. At first, I wasn’t totally clear on what I wanted, but over time, my purpose became stronger.
- What’s a typical day like for Constanza Soto in Antofagasta?
I spend my days surfing whenever I can and doing my schoolwork. I start school at 8:00 am and finish around 6:15 pm. By then, it’s already dark, so I don’t have time to surf after school, but I train my fitness three times a week. On days with good waves, I wake up at 5 am and go down to the beach right below my house before school. I hit the water at dawn to make the most of the time, but I also make sure to prioritize my studies — they’re very important to me.
- You’re the current Chilean junior national champion. What’s your opinion on the level of bodyboarding in your country across all categories?
There’s a good level of female bodyboarding in Chile, but I think it could be even better given the quality of waves we have. The good thing is that it’s growing — more women are practicing the sport, which makes me really happy and motivated to keep training and improving. Now, the junior women’s category is part of the national circuit, which didn’t exist before because there weren’t enough girls. That’s a big step forward. There’s still room to grow, but the new generations are coming strong.
- What are your future plans, both inside and outside of bodyboarding?
I plan to keep competing in the IBC tour and other national and international contests, as long as I have the resources and time. After finishing school, I’d love to study at a university abroad, but I don’t want to leave bodyboarding behind — it’s a big part of my life.
- What other hobbies do you have?
I spend most of my time on bodyboarding, but I also like playing volleyball.
- Besides finishing second in Iquique, you received a really coveted award, especially for all Chileans—the Wittman Performance—and the highest scores in the Women Prime Series. Tell us about those achievements:
Getting second place at the Iquique Bodyboard Pro was an emotional journey I’d never experienced before. I made it to the finals, beating some of the best athletes in the world, my idols. I went from round 1 all the way to the final, scoring my highest notes and totals ever. Plus, I was able to win the Wittman Performance with a 9.00 wave — I was totally surprised! Just with the points from one event, I managed to rank in the top 12 of the IBC world rankings, which really motivates me to keep competing in upcoming events and climb even higher.
- What places in the world would you love to travel to, and what waves do you dream of surfing?
My favorite place to travel and surf is the Canary Islands. I got to do two stops on the European circuit in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and I’d definitely go back — they have waves like Frontón, El Confital, El Agujero, and many more. I also want to check out Zicatela, Indonesia, and Hawaii.
- Who are your idols, and who has helped you improve your bodyboarding skills?
My biggest idol is Sari Ohara. I really like her style, and I think she’s super technical. I watch her videos to improve my surfing.
- What do you think about the new IBC Rising and Prime Series format?
Honestly, I really liked the old format because I could travel to different countries around the world, gaining knowledge, new experiences, meeting different cultures, and seeing things from a more global perspective. But I also know it was pretty tough to balance with school and find the funds to travel so much — especially since I’m underage, I had to include an adult’s ticket in the budget. I think this new format is a great opportunity for young athletes who don’t always have the resources to tour the circuit — now they can focus on one event and invest there.
- Send a message to girls who want to start bodyboarding but are too scared:
To all the girls out there who want to start bodyboarding but don’t believe they can — don’t set limits on yourself. Just go buy a board, and you’ll never look back. It’s a pretty intense sport, but it pushes you out of your comfort zone, helps you grow, and makes you feel all kinds of emotions. Yeah, fear is normal — we all feel it — but every time you start overcoming it, you’ll fall more in love with surfing. Let’s grow this beautiful sport and be part of that journey.
- How has bodyboarding impacted your life?
Thanks to bodyboarding, I’ve had the chance to travel to different countries, meet new cultures, make friends, and build connections with people from all over. It’s given me a more global perspective and unforgettable experiences. Living among waves has truly shaped who I am today. And most importantly, bodyboarding gives me a purpose — I wake up thinking about surfing, training hard to be the best in the world someday. This sport has kept me focused and given me a unique lifestyle.
- Here’s your space to thank, say hello, or share anything you want:
I want to thank everyone who’s been with me throughout my journey — those who always send me messages of congratulations and motivation; my friends and family who support me; my Club Budeo, which gives me the chance to travel and compete, helping my career grow; and my dad, for helping me build my path and being there every step of the way. The support from all of you and your happiness when I win competitions give me the energy to keep training harder and harder.
Instagram: Constanza Soto / conibudeo
