Between Hossegor’s ultra-shifting sandbanks and Teahupo’o’s razor-sharp reef, a 14-year-old is already making her mark: Tya Zebrowski. Born in Bayonne and raised between the Landes and Polynesia, this goofy-footer blends Landes power surfing with a precise reading of Tahitian barrels. At a time when French surfing is racking up podium finishes, her name is on everyone’s lips, both in lineups and at the Hossegor Surf Club.
Meteoric rise: from the Landes dunes to Polynesian barrels
The 2024–2025 season propelled Tya into another dimension. At 13, she claimed the Landes–France junior double, then a month later conquered the Olympic venue at Teahupo’o during a highly competitive QS event. Her list of achievements is taking shape in record time.
- First official competition: Landes Championship U12, an immediate victory.
- Wild card for the 2025 national final: first place in U14.
- Invited to the “New Tahitian Generation” training camp to prepare for Teahupo’o.
- Mathematically qualified for the 2026 Championship Tour at age 14.
| Year | Spot | Test | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Hossegor | Landes GromSearch | 1st |
| 2024 | Capbreton | “Surf & Rescue” | 2nd |
| 2024 | Teahupo’o | QS 1000 | 1st |
| 2025 | Grande Plage, Biarritz | France U16 | 1st |
Training is split between long winter sessions on La Nord’s beachbreak and Polynesian stays orchestrated by her father Gary, a former snowboarder turned water coach. To build mental strength, the family analyzes each heat using the highlights of the week published by the federation.
A sharp technique, boosted by deep rails and surgical timing, to be emulated.
Teahupo’o: a performance laboratory for France’s new rising star
The Hava’e reef is more than just a postcard setting. Its thick lip, coral bottom just 50 cm below the surface, and only 8 seconds of breathing room force surfers to hold their breath. Tya finds a natural playground there.
- Line reading: near “no-paddle” positioning at takeoff, inspired by the locals.
- Mental: risk management in the 2.5 m “west bowls,” thanks to the protocol put in place during the Adaptive Surfing & Elite Athletes.
- Equipment: FCS G-Rom fins, single-to-double concave to accelerate in short tubes.
| Variable | Value range | Tya’s setting |
|---|---|---|
| Period | 14–20 s | Prefers 16–18 s |
| Orientation | SW-W | W-SW 220° |
| Tide coefficient | 50–90 | 70–75 |
| Wind speed | 0–12 knots | < 8 knots |
The result: a tight bottom turn followed by a little pump to reposition on the shoulder, then a discreet claim, Polynesian style. Coaches emphasize the psychological impact: succeeding at Teahupo’o at such a young age reduces the pressure of future WSL events.
The French public already sees her as Vahine Fierro’s successor. The next step? A mixed podium finish at the French championships in Hossegor to confirm that talent travels, but is always built on the sands of Landes.
Quiver, sponsors, and expert network: behind the scenes of her progress
Behind every maneuver, an ecosystem. Tya’s quiver combines custom shapes Channel Islands Surfboards for beach breaks and a 5’10’’ gun Superbrand pintail for big Tahitian swells.
- Apparel: combined support Roxy – Rip Curl, 3/2 eco-foam neoprene collection.
- Hardgoods: pads Oxbow, competition leash Quiksilver.
- Core partner: Vissla for travel boardshorts.
| Board type | Size | Volume | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| CI Fever | 5’4’’ | 22 L | Beach break ≤ 1.2 m |
| Superbrand PigDog | 5’10’’ | 25 L | Reef 1.5-3 m |
| CI Two Happy | 5’6’’ | 23 L | QS contest |
Physical training is overseen by the staff at the Capbreton Surf & Lifesaving Center, while a logistics partnership with All-In ponchos Hossegor covers international travel.
These synergies reflect the evolution of the French model: the French surfing generation is now surrounded by a staff worthy of the best Australian teams. The result is kids scoring in CT heats before they even reach high school.
Why does Tya Zebrowski choose Teahupo’o to train despite her young age?
The Tahitian reef offers short but powerful barrels. By taking them on early, she gains tremendous confidence and develops the rail work essential for the Championship Tour.
What role does the Hossegor Surf Club play in her progress?
The club provides supervised training sessions, video analysis, and priority access to national competitions—key to gaining experience.
Which brands currently support the French-Tahitian surfer?
Roxy and Rip Curl provide the wetsuits; Quiksilver supplies technical accessories; Vissla handles the lifestyle side; Channel Islands and Superbrand take care of the quiver.
How does her father, a former snowboarder, influence her preparation?
Gary Zebrowski has brought in mental preparation methods from freestyle snowboarding: visualization, risk management, and explosiveness—a combination perfectly suited to modern surfing.
What are her goals for the 2025–2026 season?
Secure her CT wildcard at the junior Triple Crown, maintain a top-five ranking in Europe, and perhaps aim for a first quarterfinal on the Championship Tour.