Surfing South Africa (SSA) is proud to announce the four athletes selected to represent the nation at the 2026 ISA World Longboard Championships, taking place in El Salvador this November.
The team brings together a blend of international experience, national champions and exciting emerging talent, all eager to wear the South African colours on one of longboarding’s biggest stages.
Leading the men’s team is five-time South African Longboard Champion Sam Christianson (Muizenberg, Cape Town), whose remarkable consistency has established him as one of the country’s most accomplished longboarders. Christianson also boasts an impressive seventh-place finish at the 2023 ISA World Longboard Championships and will once again be aiming for a strong international result.
Joining him is Shane Fourie from Cape Town, whose consistent performances on the national circuit earned him a third-place finish at the 2025 South African Longboard Championships. Fourie brings valuable experience and composure to the South African squad.
The women’s team features two exciting talents. Christy Gilmour from Durban continues her rise through the international ranks after qualifying for the 2026 World Longboard Tour. Known for her graceful style and competitive determination, Gilmour will be making her mark against the world’s best.
Also representing South Africa is Cally Taylor, whose surfing journey began at Nahoon Corner before relocating to Jeffreys Bay, where her passion for longboarding truly flourished. After years as a dedicated shortboard surfer, Taylor discovered the elegance and flow of longboarding and has never looked back. Her selection is the culmination of years of dedication and a rapidly developing competitive career.
The ISA World Longboard Championships brings together the world’s best longboard surfers, with athletes competing for both individual honours and the prestigious team title. South Africa has enjoyed strong performances at previous editions of the event and will be looking to continue building its presence on the international stage.
Surfing South Africa General Manager Danielle Powis says the selected team represents an exciting mix of experience and emerging talent.
“This team showcases the depth and quality of South African longboarding. We have athletes with international experience, multiple national titles and incredible passion for representing their country. We are proud of each athlete’s journey and look forward to watching them compete against the world’s best in El Salvador. On behalf of Surfing South Africa, we wish them every success as they proudly wear the South African colours.”
The team will spend the coming months preparing for the World Championships through focused training before travelling to El Salvador in November.
2026 South African ISA World Longboard Championship Team
Women
- Christy Gilmour (Durban)
- Cally Taylor (Jeffreys Bay)
Men
- Sam Christianson (Muizenberg, Cape Town)
- Shane Fourie (Cape Town)
Surfing South Africa congratulates all four athletes on their selection and looks forward to following their journey as they proudly represent South Africa on the international stage.
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