Tya Zebrowski has just extended her contract with Rip Curl until 2028. The young French surfer, who will celebrate her 14th birthday on March 9, is one of the brightest prospects in both European and global surfing.

“I’m so excited for this new adventure with you, all the way to the Los Angeles Olympics and beyond. Thankyou for giving me wings to fly, for fueling the fire inside me. The best is yet to come… More search, more fun,and the dream tour (aka the CT) ahead!” said Tya Zebrowski after signing her contract extension.

Since its inception, Rip Curl has been dedicated to supporting young surfers. The brand launched theGromSearch in 1999—a global event showcasing young surfing talent across seven regions worldwide. Thecompetition culminates in an international final, bringing together the champions from each region. A truelaunching pad for future global stars of the sport, it has seen surfers like Gabriel Medina, Italo Ferreira,Stephanie Gilmore, and Tyler Wright, all finalists in this prestigious competition. Tya Zebrowski won theEuropean GromSearch final in 2024.

This talented surfer, with roots in both Landes and Tahiti, also benefits from Rip Curl’s international support, including access to world-class facilities and coaching. In January, during the first event of the ChampionshipTour at the legendary Pipeline wave, she stayed at the Rip Curl Pipe House to train on the waves of Hawaii’sNorth Shore, alongside Molly Picklum, Tyler Wright, George Pittar, and Samuel Pupo, all members of the WorldChampionship Tour.

“Since I was 9 years old, you’ve been by my side. The trust you’ve given me is so much more than just a sponsorship—it’s a true surfing family. A solid support system that pushes me to give my very best. A team manager who’s always there, always caring, guiding me through every wave” , she added.

“We are proud and thrilled to extend our partnership with Tya. Even though she is still very young, her progress in the past few months has been remarkable. She aims for very big goals, and it’s crucial that she feels supported and can fully focus on her athletic career,” said Yann Martin, Team Manager Europe at Rip Curl.

In 2024, the young surfer claimed victory in three Qualifying Series events – the circuit that allows surfers to earn points to qualify for the CT – in just two months: Newquay in England, Pantin in Spain, and Anglet in France. Her win in Anglet came right after her triumph in the Rip Curl GromSearch U16 category and the Surf de Nuit event.

Following that, during her very first Challenger Series event (the gateway to the World Tour) in Ericeira, Portugal, in October 2024, she secured an impressive second place, losing only to Australian Sally Fitzgibbons.

With this contract extension, Rip Curl reaffirms its commitment to supporting the most promising young talents in surfing. Tya Zebrowski embodies the future of the sport, and Rip Curl is proud to stand by her side on this incredible journey.

Floating Wave Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, a pioneer in turnkey artificial river waves, has awarded MEYER Floating Solutions the contract to build the first floating surf platform, following the successful completion of its latest financing round. Designed to bring high-quality artificial surf waves to urban environments, the Hamburg project is currently in its final permitting stage, advancing in parallel with construction planning. The newly designated location in the Fischereihafen offers even better conditions for the project’s success, and the permitting process is being carried out in close coordination with Hamburg authorities.

• Successful financing round enables construction contract with MEYER Floating Solutions for Floating Wave.

• Hamburg’s Fischereihafen will become a sustainable leisure destination with surf technology, gastronomy, and fitness offerings by 2026.

• Partnership with MEYER Floating Solutions combines expertise for global scaling of the platforms.

Revitalizing Harbor Areas with Sustainable Design
The first Floating Wave platform in Hamburg’s Fischereihafen will transform unused harbor spaces into a year-round recreational hotspot. The project combines cutting-edge surf technology with sustainable design, creating a multifunctional destination for sports, dining, and relaxation. Planned amenities include a restaurant with a bar as well as fitness facilities, making the platform an urban premium destination. MEYER Floating Solutions will construct the platform in a controlled shipyard environment, ensuring the highest quality standards while minimising on-site disruption and environmental impact. The wave is scheduled to open in 2026.

Partnership with MEYER Floating Solutions: Expertise Meets Vision
“MEYER Floating Solutions is the ideal partner—not only for the first Floating Wave in Hamburg but also for scaling our turnkey surf platform worldwide,” says Felix Segebrecht, founder of Floating Wave. “Their expertise in floating construction and project execution allows us to expand this innovative solution on a global scale.” Kaj Casén, CEO of MEYER Floating Solutions, adds: “Floating Wave combines innovation with our core expertise—creating a perfect synergy. It demonstrates how floating infrastructure can revolutionize even urban environments. With our network and knowhow, we are setting a milestone for sustainable tourism together.“ The construction contract and the partnership with MEYER Floating Solutions are a key milestone that will further increase the interest of additional strategic partners and investors in our company.

Global Expansion
The Hamburg project is just the beginning. Floating Wave’s modular and mobile design enables seamless adaptation to urban harbor areas and coastal tourism destinations worldwide. Thanks to its modular design and mobility, the platform can be flexibly adapted to market needs. Initial discussions at international trade conferences confirm the enormous interest in the technology. “Our goal is to efficiently meet the global demand for urban surf spots together with MEYER Floating Solutions,” says Segebrecht.

About Floating Wave Holding
Floating Wave BTG GmbH, based in Hamburg, modernizes urban surfing with its intelligent Smart-Low-Tech approach. The company develops innovative solutions to transform water surfaces into attractive leisure and sports destinations, thus meeting the growing demand for accessible surfing opportunities.

About MEYER Floating Solutions
MEYER Floating Solutions, part of the MEYER Family Shipbuilding Group, specializes in high-quality floating infrastructure, from luxury platforms to residential developments. Utilizing advanced modular technology from the shipbuilding industry, the company introduces a completely new way to build over water—combining precision engineering, sustainability, and efficiency.

17th Jesus Longboard Classic

12-13 April 2025, Polzeath – Registration Is Now Open

The entry portal to the very popular 17th Jesus Longboard Classic is now open and organiser Christian Surfers UK is very excited to be welcoming the longboard community to the event’s usual venue of Tubestation and using the beach at Polzeath. 

This year we have continued with our earlier date in April after last year’s success, as it gives the potential of warmer weather whilst still having the potential of great surf.

Last year’s event was held in some good surf with quality longboarding throughout and an entry field approaching 80, and CSUK can’t wait to welcome the community back for another epic event. 

The Jesus Longboard Classic is a great contest for both those who have not entered a competition before, as well as those seasoned contest surfers. The event has a well-deserved reputation for its friendly atmosphere and relaxed vibe, as well as the later rounds being highly competitive, with previous winners including surfers such as Emily Currie, and Ben Skinner.

The event features the following categories (age is calculated as on 1 January 2025):

Legends 60+
Grandmasters 50+
Masters 35+
Juniors Under 18
Men’s Open
Women’s Open

Due to the ongoing popularity of the event, entries are limited to two categories per entrant and early booking is strongly advised.

If you would like to enter please follow this link here:

All entries include a free T-shirt and some hospitality at Tubestation during the course of the weekend. We are currently trialling out a new entry portal and so if you are entering a second category you will get your £3 reduction on the day.

Christian Surfers UK is very pleased that, although not forming part of their contest series, the event is being endorsed by the British Longboard Union (BLU).

A big thank you to all the sponsors and supporters who have committed for this year, a full list will be confirmed soon.

Additional sponsors are also welcome to join this great event, so if interested please contact Phil [email protected]  

Photos: Andy Holter