From IBC, we interviewed the current number one in the Women’s ranking after she showcased an amazing performance at the first event of the World Circuit held in Taghazout Bay, Morocco.
She’s a rider known for her smoothness in competition, and she’s also super friendly, radiating a ton of positive energy around her.
Namika Yamashita is 23 years old and was born in Osaka, Japan. She currently lives in Mie, Japan. This athlete has been bodyboarding for 12 years, her favorite move is the Rollo, and her favorite wave is Chiba in Japan.
Here she is:
NAMIKA YAMASHITA
- What does bodyboarding bring to your life?
Happiness
- What other hobbies do you have?
Golf. I just started playing and I’m not very good at it.
- How did you feel winning the first event of the IBC World Tour 2025 in Taghazout Bay, Morocco?
I’m so happy. I never thought I could win, and I couldn’t believe it until I came up to the shore.
- What are your dreams inside and outside of bodyboarding?
My dream is to be a world champion.
- What do you think about the level of bodyboarding in Japan across all categories?
I think the level of bodyboarding in Japan is high. I hope they will challenge themselves in the IBC tour as well.
- Do you think it would be good to hold an IBC event in Japan? Which wave would you choose?
I hope a tour will be held in Japan as well. If it happens, I think Chiba would be a great place since, although the waves are smaller compared to other locations, they are consistent. Chiba was also the venue for surfing during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- What waves around the world would you like to surf that you haven’t been able to yet?
I would love to surf more in Asia, like in Mentawai and Sumbawa.
- What do you think about the new IBC format with the Rising and Prime Series?
I think it’s good
- Who are your idols in bodyboarding?
Sari Ohhara is just de best.
- Send a message to those girls who want to start bodyboarding but are too shy to try.
Everyone gets nervous and feels unsure at first, and that’s totally fine. The most important thing is to have fun! There’s no need to compare yourself to others, and it’s totally okay if things don’t go perfectly at the start. As you keep trying, you’ll build confidence, and the freedom and joy you get from the ocean are like nothing else.
- Here’s your space to thank, greet, or express anything you want:
Thank you always for your support. I will do my best to become the world champion. ありがとう！
