Tya Zebrowski: 14-Year-Old CT Surfing Qualifier!

A Rising Star Forged in Competition

Zebrowski’s ascent hasn’t been a sudden phenomenon. Those following the junior surfing circuit have been aware of her potential for some time. Last year, she first gained attention at the inaugural Swatch Nines event at Waco Surf, where she captivated onlookers with her progressive maneuvers, including impressive superman rotations. Since then, she’s consistently delivered exceptional results.

Her 2025 Challenger Series campaign has been nothing short of dominant. Zebrowski has reached the finals day of every event, securing a win in Ericeira, a second-place finish at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, a third in Newcastle, Australia, and a fifth in Ballito, South Africa. This consistent performance demonstrates not only her raw talent but also her ability to perform under pressure on a global stage.

This remarkable trajectory places her in esteemed company. When the 2026 CT season kicks off at Bells Beach, Zebrowski will be just 15 years old. For perspective, Caroline Marks was also 15 when she qualified for the CT in 2018. Before that, Taj Burrow held the record for early qualification, earning his spot at 17 in 1996, though he opted to delay his entry to complete his education and refine his skills.

The influx of young talent like Zebrowski is reshaping the competitive landscape. The 2024 WSL Finals saw Caroline Marks and Gabriela Bryan as the oldest competitors at 23, with an average age of just 21 among the five finalists. What does this mean for the future of the sport? It suggests a dynamic era where youthful exuberance and innovative surfing will be increasingly prevalent.

While Zebrowski’s tube riding may still be developing compared to established world champions, the majority of the early 2026 CT contests are scheduled at point breaks, conditions where her powerful rail game and progressive maneuvers are expected to shine. Could we see a 15-year-old making waves – and heats – on the world tour? It’s a very real possibility.

What impact will this new wave of young surfers have on the evolution of surfing as a whole? And how will the established guard adapt to the increasing competition from these emerging talents?

Frequently Asked Questions About Tya Zebrowski

• How old is Tya Zebrowski?

  Tya Zebrowski is currently 14 years old. She will turn 15 in April 2026, coinciding with the start of the Championship Tour season.

• What is the significance of Tya Zebrowski’s qualification?

  Tya Zebrowski has become the youngest surfer, male or female, to ever qualify for the WSL Championship Tour, breaking a long-standing record and signaling a shift towards younger competitors in professional surfing.

• Where did Tya Zebrowski qualify for the CT?

  Tya Zebrowski secured her CT qualification at the Saquarema Pro in Brazil, the fifth stop of the 2025 Challenger Series.

• What other accomplishments has Tya Zebrowski achieved?

  Before qualifying for the CT, Tya Zebrowski won the WSL Europe QS title at age 13 and has consistently placed highly in Challenger Series events, including wins in Ericeira and Huntington Beach.

• How does Tya Zebrowski’s qualification compare to other young surfing prodigies?

  Tya Zebrowski’s qualification at 14 is younger than Caroline Marks’ qualification at 15 and significantly younger than Taj Burrow’s qualification at 17, establishing a new benchmark for early entry into the CT.