In a thrilling display of talent, Mount Maunganui's Jaxon Willows and Taranaki's Izaro Williamson-Sasia have achieved a remarkable feat at the 2026 National Surfing Championships, leaving the greats in awe. But what makes this victory so extraordinary? It's the rare double doubles! These young surfers, aged 17 and 14, not only conquered their age groups but also unexpectedly dominated the senior divisions, a feat only accomplished once before.
On a challenging Tuesday evening with 1.0m waves, Willows embarked on a marathon, surfing four heats before facing longboarding legends. Australian Jordan Griffin kept up, but Willows' skill secured him the win. Ex-champions Dylan Barnfield and Daniel Procter had to settle for third and fourth.
Williamson-Sasia's story is equally impressive. She claimed the women's title with a stunning ride, earning 6.27 points and a total heat score of 10.94, leaving Ariana Walker in second place. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the difficulty of the conditions.
The day was filled with 15 title awards, including four for Willows and Williamson-Sasia. Karlos Aarsen and Stella Smith defended their stand-up paddleboard titles, while Matt Scorringe secured his second senior men's title in the over-30 division with a strategic approach.
The senior women's divisions saw Lou Aitken and Claire Youmans take the over-30 and over-40 titles, respectively. Rachel Ormsby and Gaylene Sayer dominated the over-50 and over-60 divisions, showcasing the power of experience. Maz Quinn's victory in the over-40 men's division over his younger brother Jay was a highlight, with a final heat total of 14.27 points.
Matt Bennett's win in the over-50 men's division and Steve 'Teddy' Colbert's long-awaited national title in the over-60s added to the excitement. Colbert's win, 42 years after his last national title, is a testament to his enduring skill. Gary Stevenson claimed the over-70 men's division, while Michael Williams and Gisiele Summerton took the bodyboard titles.
With the surf expected to decrease on day 4, the focus shifts to the open women's and men's divisions, kicking off a series of intense competitions. Nearly 400 entries across 28 divisions promise an exciting display of shortboard, longboard, SUP, kneeboard, bodyboard, and adaptive surfing skills. The event also includes special awards for the top boardrider club and the Peter Byers Trophy for the week's most outstanding surfer.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Gisborne Boardriders Club, hosting the event with Trust Tairāwhiti, has a unique opportunity to showcase local talent. However, some might argue that the focus on local surfers could overshadow the broader national talent pool. Is this a fair criticism, or is it a necessary celebration of the host community's contribution to the sport?
As the first of eight national events along the New Zealand coastline, this championship is just the beginning of the Epic Break summer campaign, uniting surfers and fans alike. With daily competitions and the open finals set for January 17, the surfing world is in for a treat. And this is the part most people miss—the impact of these events extends beyond the waves, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that defines the surfing spirit.
