Tya Zebrowski should be fun to watch this year. Photo: WSL
The new wave of young talent taking over the women’s WSL Championship Tour is getting even younger in 2026: 14-year-old Tya Zebrowski has officially locked in her spot. The French-Tahitian phenom, who grew up between Tahiti and Hossegor, will become the youngest surfer ever to qualify — and all signs point to her accepting the well-earned slot.
Back in 2022, 16-year-old Caity Simmers turned down her CT qualification to enjoy another year of being a teenager before joining the tour full-time — a move that worked out just fine for her. Zebrowski, it seems, is ready to jump straight in.
Despite her age, Zebrowski’s resume is already stacked. She’s claimed four Qualifying Series wins and finished runner-up at the 2024 ISA World Juniors in the Under 18 division as a 13-year-old. She surfed Teahupo’o for the first time at age eight and already has a solid air game. Plus, board riding runs in the family; both her parents were pro snowboarders.
Zebrowski secured her CT qualification by advancing through the Round of 48 at the Saquarema Pro, with two Challenger Series events still remaining. She’s still alive in the event, set to face India Robinson in the Round of 16.
Zebrowski’s feat adds to a successful stretch of surfing for Tahiti. Last year Vahine Fierro became the first Tahitian woman to qualify for the CT, then Kauli Vaast earned Olympic gold. This year 12-year-old Kelia Gallina made history as the youngest surfer ever to compete in a CT event after winning the Teahupo’o trials.
Now Zebrowski is pushing open another door. She’ll be 17 by the time the LA 2028 Olympics roll around and could be an early contender to represent France. With a father who competed in the Olympics as a snowboarder, the Games are in her DNA.
