Japan’s Extraordinary ISA and ICF Junior SUP World Champion, Kotaro Miyahira

There must be something in the water in Okinawa Japan that is producing some of the worlds best stand up paddling athletes… It’s an absolute honour to bring Kotaro Miyahira to TotalSUP today. The 17 year old SIC Maui Junior team rider is a dedicated stand-up paddling athlete hailing from Japan. He is the 2024 ISA Junior World Champion and bronze medalist in the ISA open mens long distance race in Denmark, and 2024 ICF Long Distance Junior World Champion in Sarasota. Born from the warm blue waters of Zamami Island in Okinawa, Kotaro’s passion for stand-up paddling ignited at the prestigious Kerama Blue Cup. Competing and winning on the international stage at the 2024 ISA World Championship propelled him further, as he embraced challenges and honed his skills. He shares insights about his intense training regimen, invaluable mentorship from Rai Taguchi, and his ultimate goal to dominate in all three SUP disciplines: Sprint, Technical, and Long Distance, while fostering a strong community around the sport.

Welcome to TotalSUP today Kotaro! Thank you so much for joining us! You have so many incredible wins under your belt already at just 17 years old! Being the ISA and ICF Junior World Champion! What inspired you to start stand-up paddling in the first place, and how did you get into the sport?

The Kerama Blue Cup was held on Zamami Island a beautiful part of Okinawa, where I live. I started stand-up paddling (SUP) to participate in that event. Where the Kerama Blue Cup—a major stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) competition—is held. It was this event that first inspired me to start SUP.

Incredible! Can you share your most memorable experience while participating in a SUP event or competition?

One of the most memorable experiences for me was competing and coming in 3rd in the Open Long Distance race at the 2024 ISA World Championship. It was incredibly exciting because I got to race against top athletes from around the world, feel their energy and tactics up close, and push myself at a whole new level. I could feel the intensity and strategy in every stroke—it was a moment that truly left a mark on me.

You had an amazing performance in Denmark last year winning the junior technical race, and placing 3rd in the open mens long distance race! Congrats again! How do you prepare for a major competition physically and mentally?

When preparing for a race, training is the most important part—both physically and mentally. It directly affects the results and gives me the mental strength to perform at my best. Every session is meticulously planned to enhance my endurance, speed, and technique, ensuring that I am physically equipped to tackle the challenges of competition. Mentally, it builds my confidence and resilience, allowing me to stay focused and composed under pressure. Consistent training enables me to develop strategies for various race scenarios, helping me to anticipate and react effectively to the dynamics on the water, ultimately leading to improved performance on race day.

Those are wise words, thank you for sharing! What are some of the biggest challenges you face in stand-up paddling, and how do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I face is that it becomes harder and harder to surpass the version of myself from the day before. As an athlete, this ongoing quest for self-improvement can sometimes feel daunting, especially when the expectations I set for myself intensify. To overcome that, I believe it’s crucial to set high goals that inspire me to reach beyond my comfort zone, think deeply every day about my training routines and mental strategies, and continuously adjust my training based on both my progress and setbacks. This reflective practice keeps me adaptable and motivated, allowing me to identify areas for enhancement, embrace new techniques, and harness the insights gained from each experience. Ultimately, it’s this commitment to constant evolution that fuels my passion and drives me to become the best version of myself, race after race.

Who do you consider your biggest influences or mentors in the stand-up paddling community?

My biggest inspiration is Rai Taguchi. He taught me both the fun and the techniques of SUP, and his influence on my journey has been profound. I’ve been lucky to learn from Rai Taguchi, an athlete I admire greatly for his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to the sport. Beyond just imparting the techniques of SUP, he has shown me how much joy and excitement paddling can bring, transforming what could be just a competitive endeavor into a vibrant passion. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he continually emphasizes the importance of enjoying the ride, celebrating small victories, and embracing the camaraderie that comes with being part of the SUP community. Through his guidance, I’ve not only honed my skills but also developed a deeper appreciation for the sport that drives me to push my limits and share that enthusiasm with others. Rai’s mentorship motivates me to strive for excellence while having fun, reminding me that the journey is just as important as the destination.

There seems to be a lot of incredible paddlers coming out of Japan, and specifically Okinawa! In your opinion, what makes Okinawa an ideal location for stand-up paddling?

I train on Zamami Island in Okinawa, a paradise for any stand-up paddling enthusiast. The warm climate allows me to paddle all year round, creating an ideal training environment where I can maintain my fitness and skills without interruption. Since the ocean is so close to my house, I can train anytime I feel motivated or inspired, whether it’s early morning or under the glowing sunsets. This accessibility means I can easily incorporate frequent sessions into my routine, allowing for more consistent practice and improvement. The stunning natural beauty of the island also enhances my training experience, as paddling amidst breathtaking scenery not only invigorates me physically but also mentally. I think this environment—combined with the ocean’s varying conditions—has been a significant factor in my improvement, as it challenges me to adapt and grow as an athlete while fostering a deeper connection to the sport I love. Moreover, the sense of community here, with fellow paddlers sharing tips and encouragement, further fuels my passion and helps me continuously strive for excellence.

You are also a 2x National Japan champion! It must be because of your training and your equipment! Can you tell us about your board? Why do you love SIC so much? Can you also speak about the new SIC board?

I use the SIC MAUI RST LV 21. It’s very light at just 10.3kg, and it’s well-balanced in both acceleration and maintaining speed. In my opinion, one of its strengths is how stable and fast it stays in crosswinds. Whenever there’s a side wind during a race, I tend to gain an edge over other paddlers.

That’s great! Can you walk us through your typical training regimen?

My training mainly consists of interval workouts, which are essential for building both my endurance and speed. I do sessions that push my heart rate to the max, engaging in high-intensity intervals that challenge my limits and elevate my performance. These strenuous bursts help improve my anaerobic capacity and prepare me for the exhilarating sprints during competitions. Additionally, I include intervals that maintain a steady heart rate, mirroring the pacing required in long-distance and technical races. This balanced approach allows me to develop the stamina needed for extended periods on the water while honing my technique for precision and control. By varying the intensity and duration of my workouts, I simulate the diverse conditions I encounter in races, equipping me with the adaptability to tackle different challenges. Moreover, this structured training not only enhances my physical capabilities but also sharpens my mental resilience, as I learn to push through fatigue and stay focused under pressure, ultimately setting me up for success in competition.

That sounds like a great training routine you have! What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in stand-up paddling?

When I coach, I focus more on technique than speed. Once your form improves, speed naturally follows. One major challenge I constantly face is the difficulty of surpassing the version of myself from the day before. Overcoming that requires daily reflection, making small adjustments, and setting ambitious goals to keep moving forward.

Phenomenal! Before we let you go today can you tell us what future goals do you have for your stand-up paddling career?