Get ready to be amazed by the jaw-dropping upsets and record-breaking feats that shook the surfing world at the 2026 National Surfing Championships in Gisborne! Two young surfers just flipped the script on what’s possible in longboarding, and you won’t believe how they did it. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling...
Mount Maunganui’s Jaxon Willows (17) and Taranaki’s Izaro Williamson-Sasia (14) didn’t just win—they dominated. In a stunning display of skill, they each claimed victory in both the senior and junior longboarding divisions, a feat so rare it’s only been achieved once before, by Christchurch’s Jack Tyro in 2022. Imagine competing against seasoned pros and still coming out on top—that’s exactly what these two did, leaving everyone in awe.
Willows’ journey was nothing short of a marathon. He surfed four heats in a single day, culminating in a showdown against longboarding legends. Australian-based Jordan Griffin gave him a run for his money, securing second place, while ex-champions Dylan Barnfield and Daniel Procter from Gisborne had to settle for third and fourth. And this is the part most people miss—Willows’ endurance and strategy were just as crucial as his talent.
Williamson-Sasia, meanwhile, stole the show in the women’s division with a flawless right-hander, showcasing a clean nose ride and lightning-fast footwork that scored her 6.27 points out of 10. Her total heat score of 10.94 left Ariana Walker in second place, with Jay Ryan and Gisborne’s Te Waiotu rounding out the top four. Their combined four titles were just a fraction of the 15 awarded during a day that perfectly capitalized on the week’s peak swell.
But here’s the controversial part: Should age really be a barrier in competitive surfing? These young athletes just proved that experience isn’t everything, sparking debates about whether age divisions still make sense in a sport where talent knows no bounds. What do you think—is it time to rethink how we categorize surfers?
The championships weren’t just about longboarding. Defending stand-up paddleboard champions Karlos Aarsen and Stella Smith reclaimed their titles, while Matt Scorringe secured his second senior men’s title with a strategic left-hander approach. In the women’s divisions, Lou Aitken, Claire Youmans, Rachel Ormsby, and Gaylene Sayer took home titles in their respective age groups, proving that surfing is a sport for all ages.
One of the most heartwarming moments came from Steve “Teddy” Colbert, who won the over-60s title—his first national victory since 1984. That’s 42 years between wins! And let’s not forget Maz Quinn, who outperformed his younger brother Jay in the over-40 men’s division, or Matt Bennett, whose smooth goofy-foot style secured him the over-50 men’s title.
With nearly 400 entries across 28 divisions, the event showcased everything from shortboard and kneeboard to bodyboard and adaptive disciplines. Special awards included the top boardrider club title and the Peter Byers Trophy for the week’s most outstanding surfer. As part of the Epic Break summer campaign, this is just the first of eight national events along New Zealand’s coastline, celebrating the country’s surfing talent and community spirit.
Hosted by Gisborne Boardriders Club and Trust Tairāwhiti, with support from partners like Neighbourhood Cantina and Sun Bum, the competition runs daily from 8am to 5pm. Mark your calendars—the open men’s and women’s finals are set for Saturday, January 17. But the real question is: Who will be the next to challenge the status quo and make history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—are these young surfers the future of the sport, or is experience still king?
