A Mount Maunganui surfer has been selected for New Zealand’s youngest-ever longboarding team.

Jaxon Willows, 18, will compete at the 2026 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Longboard Championships in El Salvador in October.

Willows, who holds the national Open Men’s and Under-18 longboard titles, is one of four surfers selected for the squad.

Christchurch’s Jack Tyro, New Plymouth’s Izaro Williamson Sasia and Gisborne’s Te Waiotu Fairlie complete the team.

All four athletes will be under 20 when the competition begins, which Surfing New Zealand said made the squad the youngest New Zealand have ever sent to the event.

Longboarding is renowned for its combination of carving and style, with techniques such as nose riding, cross-stepping and board control central to the discipline.

Willows heads to El Salvador ranked third in the World Surf League Australia/Oceania qualifying series.

He also came within 0.03 of a point of securing a qualifying position for the World Surf League Longboard Tour at the inaugural Egmont Honey Pro in Taranaki.

The four young surfers have already built an impressive record of national titles and international results, highlighting the depth of New Zealand’s emerging longboarding talent.

Surfing New Zealand chief executive Ben Kennings said excitement was building as the championships approached.

“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 there was growing belief the young squad could “do 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.

“We are looking forward to watching them show their wares on the global stage.”

Colliers New Zealand has been named as the team’s naming-rights sponsor for the event.

Chief executive Gareth Fraser said the company was excited to support the national side.

“We wish these athletes all the best as they go and take on the world. It’s inspiring to see these young surfers have the ambition to go and chase their dreams.”