Published on October 12, 2025 at 2:54 p.m. — The news swept through the lineup like a surprise set: at just 14, Tya Zebrowski has just secured her spot on the 2026 Championship Tour, becoming the youngest rider—across all categories—to join the global elite.
World Record: Tya Zebrowski’s Historic Qualification for the Championship Tour
On Saturday, at the Saquarema Pro, the final stop of the Challenger Series, the Hossegor Surf Club member advanced past the first round and earned enough points to mathematically secure a place in the Top 7. The French Surfing Federation confirmed the news a few hours later, recognizing a feat no other grom usually achieves before the age of 17 or 18.
- Age at qualification: 14 years and 7 months.
- Provisional CS ranking: 1st.
- Decisive event: Saquarema Pro, Brazil.
- Preferred training wave: Teahupo’o, Tahiti.
| Season | Key event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Pro Junior Lacanau | Victory |
| 2025 | CS Ericeira (Portugal) | 1st place |
| 2025 | CS Saquarema (Brazil) | CT Qualification |
The details of her record are analyzed in this reference article, which looks back at the comparative statistics of previous young prodigies.
Fast-track journey: from Hossegor to Teahupo’o, the meteoric rise of a goofy-footer
Key stages of the 2025 Challenger Series
Tya has racked up podium finishes like others pull on Rip Curl wetsuits. Her 2025 stats in the elite’s antechamber are impressive:
- Ballito Pro: semifinal against Brazilian surfer Sol Aguilar.
- US Open Huntington: narrowly lost the final to local Riley Johnson.
- Ericeira Pro: victory, with a backside combo in the reef sections.
- Saquarema Pro: won her qualifying heat with 15.34 points.
| CS event | Spot | Average score | Final place |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballito Pro | Kwazulu-Natal | 13.10 | 3e |
| US Open | Huntington | 14.27 | 2e |
| Ericeira Pro | Ribeira d’Ilhas | 16.88 | 1st |
| Saquarema Pro | Itaúna | 15.34 | 5e |
For a complete recap of the Portuguese final, see the Rip Curl 2025 final coverage.
A support team built for excellence: coaches, quiver, and sponsors
The team propelling Tya toward the CT
Behind every sensational rise is a strong crew: Joan Duru oversees strategy, while her father, Olympian Gary Zebrowski, handles the mental side. Long-standing brands—from Quiksilver and Roxy to Oxbow—are rallying around the phenomenon.
- Strategic coach: Joan Duru.
- Physical training: Biarritz Surf Club training center.
- Equipment: Channel Islands boards, FCS H4 fins, Rip Curl E7 wetsuits.
- Additional sponsors: Volcom, Billabong, Oxbow.
| Equipment | Model | Primary use |
|---|---|---|
| Board | Channel Islands Fever 5’6 | European beach breaks |
| Fins | FCS H4 Medium | Backside control |
| Wetsuit | Rip Curl E7 3/2 mm | Mid-season Landes |
| Leash | Quiksilver 6’ Comp | Challenger Series |
The role of the Hossegor-Tahiti bridge in her training is explained by the club’s technical staff.
Impact on French surfing: new momentum ahead of Paris 2026
Toward a stronger French contingent on the CT
Tya’s arrival in the big leagues creates an unprecedented national line-up alongside Johanne Defay and Vahine Fierro. On the men’s side, Kauli Vaast remains in contention and could secure his spot in the coming days.
- Number of French women on the 2026 CT: potentially 3.
- Federation goal: team gold medal at the Paris Games.
- Home event: Quiksilver Pro France 2026.
- Federation talent identification program: Athletes & Excellence.
| Surfing | Specialty | 2025 Result | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tya Zebrowski | Backside barrel | 1st CS | CT Rookie |
| Johanne Defay | Rail carving | 7e CT | Requalified |
| Vahine Fierro | Teahupo’o Barrels | 9e CT | Requalified |
| Kauli Vaast | Power surfing | 2e CS | In contention |
French momentum is also evident in the Landes Championship and the 2025 French Championships, springboards where future talents emerge.
Why is Tya Zebrowski’s qualification historic?
Never before had a female—or male—surfer joined the Championship Tour at just 14 years old. The previous record was held by Hawaiian prodigy Carissa Moore, who qualified at 17.
What role does Teahupo’o play in her development?
By living several months a year near the Olympic wave, Tya has developed a feel for tube riding and an ability to read extreme conditions, giving her a strategic advantage at powerful spots.
Who is on her technical staff?
The staff includes Joan Duru (head coach), Gary Zebrowski (mental coach), a physiotherapist affiliated with the Biarritz Surf Club, and a dedicated Channel Islands shaper.
Who are her main sponsors?
Rip Curl for wetsuits, Channel Islands for boards, FCS for fins, and Quiksilver, Roxy, Oxbow, Volcom, and Billabong for apparel and financial support.
When will she officially make her CT debut?
The first event of the 2026 Championship Tour is scheduled for late January at Pipeline, Hawaii, where Tya will wear the yellow rookie jersey for the first time.
