Sumner surfer Jack Tyro will captain the youngest New Zealand longboarding team ever assembled when it competes at the 2026 ISA World Longboard Championships in El Salvador.

Tyro, 19, will lead the four strong national squad at the championships in October, with every member still aged under 20 when the competition begins.

He heads to El Salvador ranked second in the World Surf League Australia and Oceania qualifying series.

Tyro is also ninth equal in the world after competing at the opening event of the World Surf League Longboard Tour, the highest level of professional longboarding.

His appearance on the world tour followed his victory at the inaugural Egmont Honey Pro at Fitzroy Beach in Taranaki.

The competition was the first longboarding event sanctioned by the World Surf League to be held in New Zealand.

Tyro will compete alongside Mount Maunganui surfer Jaxon Willows, New Plymouth surfer Izaro Williamson Sasia and Gisborne surfer Te Waiotu Fairlie.

Willows holds the national Open Men’s and Under 18 longboard titles and is ranked third in the Australia and Oceania qualifying series.

Williamson Sasia holds the equivalent national women’s titles and is ranked seventh, while Fairlie is the reigning New Zealand Festival of Longboarding champion and is ranked fifth.

Surfing New Zealand chief executive Ben Kennings said Tyro’s experience competing against the world’s best would provide valuable leadership for the young squad.

“We know the challenge awaiting the team in El Salvador is considerable. The ISA World Longboard Championships attract the very best surfers from around the globe, representing nations with decades of investment and international experience,” Kennings said.

“Yet there is a growing sense that this young New Zealand squad is capable of something special.

“They possess national titles, international rankings, World Tour experience, and a fearless approach that comes from growing up in one of the world’s most respected surfing nations.”

Longboarding rewards surfers for elegant carving, nose riding, cross stepping and control on the wave.

Colliers has been confirmed as the team’s naming rights sponsor, with further support from Swiss Belhotel International, Mackersy Property and Gisborne apparel company Wai Tai Aotearoa.

The team has also launched a fundraising campaign to support its world championship bid.