At just 15 years old, freshly crowned in the Challenger Series, Tya Zebrowski is gearing up to discover the Championship Tour at Bell’s Beach (Australia, 1st-11th April). Between excitement, clarity, and bold ambition, the French surfer approaches this new challenge with a marked maturity and a clear desire: to learn quickly and perform everywhere.
Tya, on the eve of your debut on the Championship Tour, what state of mind are you in?
I feel super excited and grateful to be here. It’s a dream come true! I mainly want to enjoy and gain a lot of experience while staying focused on my goal.
You had just closed out the Challenger series a few days ago in Newcastle after grabbing the title!! How do you manage to switch from one season to another in just 15 days?
It’s true that everything happened very quickly. I mainly try to stay in the same dynamic, without overthinking. I keep my routines, recover well and mentally, I am already projecting onto this new season.
You have arrived at this level at a very young age. Do you realize what it represents or are you still in the moment?
I would say that I am not necessarily in the moment. As soon as the Challenger Series season ended, I immediately focused on the CT. I know it’s something incredible, especially at my age. But I have clear goals. So, I mainly try to stay focused on what I have to do next.
You won the Challenger Series circuit at just 15 years old. Looking back, what has impressed you the most in this season?
It was first my victory in Portugal with Kauli (Vaast), it was a really special moment. There is also my first heat of the last competition of the year at the end of the season in Newcastle, where I knew that if I passed it, I would take the lead in the rankings and win the title. So, these two moments were really strong for me this season.
Tya Zebrowski won the Ericeira CS in October in Portugal. (WSL / Damien Poullenot)
To your age, managing the pressure, travel, and rhythm of the circuit is a real challenge. How do you organize yourself daily to stay competitive?
I mainly try to maintain a fairly stable routine despite the transitions between training, recovery, and mental preparation. It helps me stay focused, and I also surround myself well to manage the rhythm of the season as best as possible.
Do you manage to keep a sense of lightness and enjoyment despite the increasing stakes?
Yes, I really try to keep the pleasure in what I do. That’s why I started surfing, so it’s very important to me. Even with the stakes, I try to keep a sense of lightness because that’s how I surf better, have the most fun, and really express myself.
Tya Zebrowski acknowledges that the symbolism of Bell’s Beach makes her dream. (WSL)
You are well surrounded, especially by your family. What role does it play in your balance and progression today?
My family plays an essential role; they help me stay grounded, balanced, and are always there to support me. In good times and more challenging moments. And also, they bring me a lot of tranquility and comfort in everyday life.
This year, there will also be the ISA World Championships with a first Olympic quota at stake. What place does the French team hold in your project and your journey?
The French team has a very important place in my project. Representing my country is a true pride. The ISA World Championships, with an Olympic quota at stake, is a big goal that I have been aiming for since the first Olympics in Tokyo (2021). So I really want to perform for the team, but also for myself. So, I will give it my all.
Interview conducted by Stéphane Sisco
CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR 2026
1-11 April: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Australia
16-26 April: Margaret River Pro, Australia
1-11 May: Gold Coast Pro, Australia
15-25 May: Raglan Pro, New Zealand
5-15 June: Surf City Pro, Salvador
19-27 June: Vivo…
