Teenage Prodigy Tya Zebrowksi Makes History

What were you doing when you were 14? Probably hanging out with friends, going to school, the usual stuff. But Tya Zebrowski is far from your average 14-year-old.

At just 14, Tya has made history as the youngest person to ever qualify for the World Surf League Championship Tour (CT). 

Her 2025 Challenger Series campaign has been nothing short of dominant. With two quarterfinal appearances, a runner-up finish at the US Open of Surfing, and a win at the EDP Ericeira Pro, her victory in the Round of 48 heat at the Banco do Brasil Saquarema Pro yesterday was all it took to seal her ticket to next year’s dream tour. 

This historic achievement comes after a breakthrough year in 2024, where Tya triumphed on the European Qualifying Series, winning three events to take out the WSL Europe QS title at just 13-years old.  

The French teenage prodigy combines an impressive air game with expert tube-riding skills honed on Tahiti’s shallow reefs, where she grew up surfing. 

We caught up with Tya for a quick chat about her incredible achievement. 

Tya, you’ve just qualified for the CT at only 14. How do you feel?
Qualifying is a dream come true. I’m so happy to be able to learn alongside the best, to keep progressing and to find my rhythm on the Challenger Series. Most of all, I can’t wait to showcase my surfing in world-class waves. It’s going to be incredible. 

But what matters most to me is keeping the joy and lightness in the way I surf. 

What has been the highlight of your 2025 season so far?
The US Open, without a doubt. It was amazing. We were a super tight, highly motivated team. There was incredible energy with the whole French crew. And then in Ericeira, I had finished second last year, so I kind of had a score to settle. My whole family was there, the vibe was magical, full of good energy. Winning alongside Kauli [Vast] was just historic. That moment really changed everything. 

Which World Tour stop are you most excited about next year now that you have qualified?
Teahupo’o, of course. It’s home, the Fenua. I used to surf that wave often when I was little. It’s been a while since I’ve surfed it, so I know it’s going to challenge me, and I love that. But I’m also super excited to express myself at Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa. It’s really my ultimate dream to surf that wave. And obviously Australia, which I absolutely love. Honestly, I can’t wait to discover all the stops, because each one has its own story and its own energy. 

We can’t wait to see Tya take the World Tour by storm in 2026.