INTERVIEW WITH NEW WORLD CHAMPION NAMIKA YAMASHITA

At just 24 years old, this Osaka-born and Mie-based Japanese phenom has been riding for 13 years and has officially etched her name into the history books of the sport. She is renowned for her effortless style and unmistakable technical flow in the water.

We hope you enjoy this exclusive sit-down with NAMIKA YAMASHITA!

1- When it was mathematically official that you were the new World Champion, what was the very first image or thought that crossed your mind?

Honestly, it didn’t sink in at all that I had actually become world champion. Since I had another heat lined up right after the title was locked down, I had to quickly shift gears and lock in on the next matchup.

2- Three Prime Series events and three victories, Maldives, Portugal, and Brazil. That’s a historic achievement across completely different wave types and venues, not to mention advancing in first place in almost all of your heats. Can you talk us through these three wins on different continents and how each of them felt?

In the Maldives, the waves were massive and honestly pretty intimidating, so I just focused on giving it everything to perform at my absolute peak. I trained at Cokes Point every single day, which helped me figure out the line-up and get more comfortable out there, and that made a huge difference.

It was my fourth time competing in Portugal, but the swell was smaller than I’d ever seen it, which threw me off a bit. Luckily, the conditions were pretty similar to home in Japan, so I felt right in my element. Sari Ohara was also there coaching another Japanese rider and gave me a few pointers during the event. That was a huge boost and really helped pave the way to the win.

Brazil was also my fourth trip, so I already knew what kind of waves to look for and what maneuvers would score high with the judges. The surf felt super familiar to what we get in Japan, so I was really confident out in the lineup. Honestly, winning all three events was way beyond my expectations, so I’m just over the moon.

3- You’ve been competing at the highest level on tour for years. What made this season’s Namika different from previous years to finally help you reach the top of the world?

Last year, the world title slipped right through my fingers, and I was completely gutted. I was determined not to let history repeat itself, so during the off-season, I put in heavy work on both my riding and my physical conditioning. This year, my mindset was all about taking it one heat at a time, staying dialed in on the task at hand, and above all, enjoying every moment in the water. I managed to execute that game plan, and I think that’s what ultimately crowned me world champion.

4- Who do you dedicate this first World Title to, and who have been your main pillars of support throughout this season and your career?

There are so many people I’m deeply grateful to, including everyone who backs me day in and day out, as well as all the sponsors who have stood by me throughout my journey. But the ones who have been right there in my corner giving me the strength to push through are my family. They’ve always been my biggest backbone and my ultimate fan club.

5- Looking back at this year’s schedule, what would you say was the pivotal event or heat where you truly felt the title was within reach?

Truthfully, I couldn't breathe easy until the moment I was officially crowned world champion. Luna, who I was battling neck and neck with for the title, is an absolute powerhouse of a competitor, so I definitely felt the heat and a ton of pressure.

6- The tour demands peak performance in very diverse conditions, from heavy beach breaks to sketchy reef breaks. On which type of wave do you feel you put on your best technical performance this year?

The moment that’s forever etched in my mind was the semifinal in the Maldives. The surf was packing serious size and power. With just two minutes left on the clock, a massive set popped on the horizon. I threw myself into the wave, committed one hundred percent to the maneuver, and stomped it clean. That was easily one of the best highlights of my career.

7- Staying consistent across a full season requires incredible mental strength. How did you handle the pressure on those high-stakes competition days?

I laid out all my stress and doubts with the two crew members traveling with me. Getting those anxious thoughts out in the open helped clear my mind, which allowed me to row out into my heats feeling way more relaxed and focused.

8- Japan boasts an incredible talent pool and a phenomenal level in women’s bodyboarding. What does it mean to you to join the ranks of world champions from your country and fly the Japanese flag at the absolute highest level?

Ayaka Suzuki and Sari Ohara are incredible athletes who left a massive mark on the international scene. After they stepped down from competing, I think a lot of people around the world assumed Japan might not produce another world champion for a long time. I’m super proud to have shattered that perception and proven that Japanese riders are still a dominant force capable of taking over the world stage.

9- What advice or encouragement would you give to the young athletes who dream of following in your footsteps on the IBC World Tour?

Above all, I’d tell them to fully embrace and love every step of the journey. I’m convinced that the riders who have the most fun—both grinding in training and competing in the jersey—are the ones who become truly unstoppable.

10- Now that you’ve reached the pinnacle of the sport, what goals are driving you for next season?

My goal for next season is definitely to go out there and defend my world title. I want to keep pushing my limits and see just how far I can elevate my riding.

11- What message would you like to share with the global bodyboarding community and all the IBC World Tour fans who have supported you around the world?

I have endless gratitude for every single one of you. Thanks to everyone standing behind me, I can keep pushing my boundaries and living my dream in the ocean. I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got again next year, so please keep rooting for me!