08/05/2026
It was amazing to witness the riding at the zinkinvitational . Recently, we were reminded to reach out to Eric (Mayumi’s dad) and Mayumi Wakefield to hear their reflections on the experience.
Eric:
“The day at the Pyramid Mountain zone is probably the part of the weekend that stands out most to me. We left before sunrise and spent the entire day in this incredible desert landscape. There were no perfectly shaped jumps or clearly marked trails. The riders had to look at the mountain, imagine a line, and then figure out whether they could actually ride it.
As a parent, it was both amazing and a little intimidating to watch. Mayumi was surrounded by some of the most experienced freeriders in the world, but she was still responsible for making her own decisions. Nobody could tell her exactly what a line would feel like once she dropped in, and I could offer her little guidance as I stood there beside her.
What made me proud was not simply what she rode. It was the way she approached the terrain. She took her time, watched the other riders, studied the consequences, and made decisions based on what felt right for her. She was not riding to prove that she was fearless. She was learning to trust her instincts while also respecting the mountain and the consequences.
There was something powerful about watching a young woman stand in that environment and realize that she belonged there. She did not need to ride every line or be the boldest person on the mountain. She simply needed to be herself, make good decisions, and take the opportunities that felt right.
That day reminded me that freeride is about much more than going big. It is about creativity, judgment, confidence, and knowing when to push yourself. Watching Mayumi continue to develop those qualities was one of the most meaningful parts of the entire weekend.”
Mayumi:
“Always keep it fun and don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone progresses at their own pace, so believe in yourself and focus on your own journey. Make smart decisions and don’t rush your progress. Success takes time, so be patient and enjoy the process. Most importantly, keep pushing to be better every day and have fun with i