Surfing: Fitzroy set for world-class longboarding this weekend

Photo of Emma Perrier supplied by the World Surf League

Fresh off the momentum of the World Surf League Championship Tour stop in Raglan, the focus shifts to Fitzroy Beach this King’s Birthday Weekend as the Egmont Honey Pro LQS, part of the Taranaki Longboard Classic, brings top-level longboarding to the region.

With a competition window running from Saturday 30 May to Sunday 31 May, the event will bring leading New Zealand and international longboarders to Fitzroy for a weekend of competition, community, and coastal energy.

As the final stop of the 2026 WSL Australia/Oceania Regional Longboard Qualifying Series, the event carries competitive weight, with qualifying points and a NZ$12,000 prize pool on offer. The top-ranked eligible surfer will secure a place on the 2026/2027 WSL Longboard World Tour.

For spectators, it is a rare chance to watch high-quality longboarding up close, with New Zealand contenders lining up alongside international surfers.

The field includes some of the region’s top-ranked longboarders, including Luana Matthies, currently ranked women’s No. 1 for Australia/Oceania after placing second at the 2026 Noosa Longboard Pro, and Nicholas Brewer, the current men’s No. 1 for Australia/Oceania and 2026 Noosa Longboard Pro winner.

New Zealand interest will be strong too, with Mount Maunganui’s Jaxon Willows and Christchurch surfer Jack Tyro both chasing qualification points, while Taranaki local, Izaro Williamson Sasia, will also compete on familiar Fitzroy waves.

The weekend programme includes the Egmont Honey Pro, junior divisions, social men’s and women’s divisions, and a teams challenge and expressions session, with finals and the awards presentation planned for Sunday afternoon, conditions permitting.

The event is proudly supported by Egmont Honey, with the flagship competition named the Egmont Honey Pro. Egmont Honey will fuel the weekend for surfers and spectators alike, from free Mānuka honey samples and cold honey elixir drinks on the beach to a dedicated chill-out zone.

Athletes will find Egmont Honey in their race packs, and off the water, local favourites Paris Plage are getting in on the action with Hot Honey pizza, tacos & honey inspired cocktails.

Off the water, activity will build around New Plymouth with a food truck, mini market, and beachside sauna on offer at Fitzroy Beach, along with evening events at Paris Plage, Ōakura Boardriders Club, and Three Sisters Brewery across the long weekend.

Surfing Taranaki CEO Craig Williamson says bringing the event to Fitzroy is a significant moment for the local surf community.

“To have a World Surf League Longboard Qualifying Series event here at Fitzroy is a big moment for our surf community. People will be able to stand by the beach and watch high-level longboarding in the same waves our local clubs and communities know so well.

“With the pro event, juniors, social divisions and activity happening around the weekend, it’s a great chance for people to come down, support the surfers and be part of the atmosphere.”

Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki General Manager Destination Janet Reynolds says the weekend is a timely showcase of the region as a year-round visitor destination.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes, support crew, and spectators across the weekend, as they explore all that Taranaki has to offer from world-class surf, to our vibrant hospitality, boutique shops, and warm manaakitanga.”

“This event will bring visitors into the region during the quieter season, while giving locals another reason to get out, enjoy the atmosphere and experience what makes Taranaki, like no other.”

Daily competition times and heat schedules may change depending on swell, tide and weather conditions.

Spectators are encouraged to check the World Surf League website or app for competition schedule updates, and @Taranaki_Longboard_Classic on Instagram for local event updates before heading to Fitzroy Beach.

Parking is expected to be limited around Fitzroy Beach, with one-way traffic from the Beach Street entrance.

Spectators are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and consider parking further afield and using the Coastal Walkway to access the beach by foot or bike.

Additional parking is available at East End Reserve.

Fast Facts:

Event: Egmont Honey Pro LQS, part of the Taranaki Longboard Classic

Dates: Saturday 30 May-Monday 1 June

Location: Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth

Heat Times: 7:30am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday (Monday is a reserve day only)

Predicted surf conditions: Up to 1.2m at times, clean and contestable on Saturday and cross-shore peaks up and down the beach on Sunday.

Egmont Honey Pro - Surfers to watch:

Women

Luana Matthies, 15, Gold Coast, Queensland, currently ranked No. 1 for Australia/Oceania. Competing in her fourth-ever LQS, Placed second at the 2026 Noosa Longboard Pro - the highest placed woman from the region.

Kirra Molnar, 32, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, currently ranked No. 3 for Australia/Oceania. Ranked World No. 23 in 2025, peaked at No. 17 in 2023.

Emma Perrier, 25, Tweed Heads, NSW, currently ranked No. 4 for Australia/Oceania. Competed on the World Longboard Tour in 2024, finishing World No. 19.

Men

Nicholas Brewer, 26, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, currently ranked No. 1 for Australia/Oceania. 2026 Noosa Longboard Pro Winner, competed on the Longboard Tour in 2019, finishing at World No. 21.

Jaxon Willows, 18, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, currently ranked No. 3 for Australia/Oceania. Only Kiwi to make the Final of the 2026 Noosa Longboard Pro, 2026 open and junior winner in both NZ Nationals and NZ Festival of Longboarding.

Jack Tyro, 19, Christchurch, New Zealand, currently ranked No. 4 for Australia/Oceania. Competed in the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic (WLT) in 2023 and 2025, Multiple-time NZ National Champion, winning titles in both longboard and shortboard.