Aloha Aspiring Hawaiʻi Surf Team Members and Families,
The Hawaii Surf Team is building the next world championship team, and this is your opportunity to be a part of the team. The Hawaii coaches have led the team to the medal podium every year and they are running a series of selection camps to build the 2026 team to perpetuate the Hawaiian sport of surfing, the aloha spirit and bring home the gold.
The Hawaii Surf Team selection camps will determine the 2026
team comprised of three boys U18, three boys U16, three girls U18, and three
girls U16, additionally two alternates will be selected for each division.
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 ISA World Juniors Selection Camp will
take place during the February 10–22, 2026 waiting period.
To ensure the highest quality evaluation conditions, we will:
- Utilize the waiting period to target the best possible surf day(s)
- Prioritize weekday sessions to minimize crowding and maximize performance
evaluation
- Select the most productive location based on conditions, which may include
North, South, East, or West Oʻahu
Due to permit limitations, we will strategically choose locations that allow
for safe, effective training and evaluation.
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Selection Camp Structure
The Selection Camp will be divided into three separate evaluation days:
- Day 1: Boys U18
- Day 2: Boys U16
- Day 3: Girls (Combined U16 & U18)
Each day will consist of skill-based observations, drills, and performance
evaluations.
A selection panel will identify top-performing surfers from each group to form
a Training Team, which will then undergo further evaluation to earn placement
on the 2026 Competition Team.
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Automatic Selections
For 2026, the following athletes have already earned their competition team
positions based on podium finishes at the 2025 ISA World Junior Championships
(Peru):
- Tiger Abubo
- Zoey Kaina
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Training Team Slots to Be Selected
The Selection Camp will determine the following Training Team positions. Each
division has 3 spots and 2 alternate spots, minus the two divisions that have returning
2025 athletes. One wildcard per division may be used by coaches per their
discretion.
- 4 × Boys U18
- 5 × Boys U16
- 5 × Girls U18
- 4 × Girls U16
> This year, younger surfers will also be considered for U18 positions based
on performance, readiness, and development potential.
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Scheduling & Travel Planning
We will use extended surf forecasts to determine which divisions will surf on
which days within the waiting period.
This approach is designed to provide as much advance notice as possible for
athletes traveling from the outer islands.
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Important Dates
- Selection Camp Holding Period: February 10-22, 2026
Dates will be announced based on swell and communicated to all registrants upon registration closing.
- Training Camp Dates: TBD (to be announced after selection
camp)
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More detailed logistics, daily schedules, and location confirmations will be
communicated once conditions and forecasts allow us to finalize the operational
plan.
Mahalo for your commitment, preparation, and dedication to representing Hawaiʻi
at the highest international level.
With respect and aloha,
Coach Jason Shibata
Hawaiʻi Surf Team
