Surrounded by supporters donning the distinctive white and red Japanese flag, the team from Nishihama Lifesaving Club were thrilled to hit the beach for their first IRB interclub race today.
Team coach and competitor Takeshi Iizuka said the generosity of other IRB racing teams in sharing knowledge and skills in the lead up to the competition had given his crews a significant boost.
“While most of the team are very young, they are excited about racing and learning from more experienced crews.
“Our dream was to always race in Australia. In Japan we only have 7 teams that race so it is nice to come here to the World Titles to race all of these crews and improve our IRB skills.
“As the coach of the team, I have been training with and learning from a number of the Australian teams and I have been very happy to have their help.”
Takeshi said nerves were high for the team in lining up for their races today. “The competition here is so much harder as the conditions are difficult and there are so many teams who are very fast.”
Takeshi has been involved in lifesaving in Japan for 20 years and IRB racing for the past 10.
“I love racing IRBs, while it can be a little dangerous it is fast and very fun.
“In Japan we train every Saturday and Sunday getting ready for races. I love this sport and being part of lifesaving because it brings me together with my friends to do something fun while also building skills.”
Takeshi hopes that he can use the skills that he has developed racing at the World Titles to help grow the sport in Japan and help other clubs to build more teams for the future.
“Being at the World Titles has been a really good experience, I have made so many new connections especially with Australians who can help us make our sport better.” Nishihama is the oldest lifesaving club in Japan with members keeping one of Japan’s busiest beaches safe for the bathing public.
