Region's Best Longboarders Arrive in Taranaki for Inaugural WSL Egmont Honey Pro LQS

TARANAKI, North Island, New Zealand - Fresh off the momentum of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) stop in Raglan, focus will now shift to Taranaki's Fitzroy Beach this King's Birthday Weekend as the Egmont Honey Pro Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) event, part of the Taranaki Longboard Classic, brings top-level longboarding to the region.

Jack Tyro (NZL) is hoping to earn a Rookie season on the WSL Longboard Tour when he competes in his first Longboard Qualifying Series event on home soil in New Zealand for the Egmont Honey Pro LQS. Credit: WSL / Ed Sloane

Running from Saturday, May 30 to Monday, June 1, 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 LQS, the event carries competitive weight, with qualifying points and prize money 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 current leaders Luana Matthies (AUS) and Nicholas Brewer (AUS).

New Zealand interest will also be strong, with Mount Maunganui's Jaxon Willows (NZL) and Christchurch surfer Jack Tyro (NZL) both chasing qualification points, while Taranaki local, Izaro Williamson Sasia (NZL), 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.

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, as they take over the Fitzroy Kiosk Cafe with a honey-fuelled menu. 

Outside the water, activity will build around New Plymouth with food trucks and beachside saunas on offer at Fitzroy Beach, along with evening events at Paris Plage, Oakura Boardriders Club and Three Sisters Brewery across the long weekend.

"To have a World Surf League Longboard Qualifying Series event here at Fitzroy is a big moment for our surf community," said Craig Williamson, Surfing Taranaki CEO. "People will be able to stand on 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."

"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," said Janet Reynolds, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki General Manager Destination. "This event will bring visitors into the region during the quieter winter season, while giving locals another reason to get out, enjoy the atmosphere and experience what makes Taranaki, like no other."

The Egmont Honey Pro LQS is set to run at Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand, from May 30 - June 1, 2026. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.