This October, four of South Africa’s leading longboard surfers will travel to El Salvador to compete against the world’s best at the 2026 ISA World Longboard Championship.
Christy Gilmour, Cally Taylor, Sam Christianson and Shane Fourie have been selected to represent South Africa at El Sunzal from 16 to 22 October 2026. They will carry the Green and Gold onto one of surfing’s biggest international stages, competing for individual honours and South Africa’s position in the team rankings.
But before the first heat begins, Team South Africa must overcome a major challenge away from the water: funding the journey.
Representing South Africa Comes at a Cost
Competitive surfing in South Africa is largely self-funded. The athletes are responsible for covering international flights, accommodation, competition expenses and the considerable logistical cost of transporting longboards halfway around the world.
Travelling with longboards is not as straightforward as checking in an ordinary suitcase. The team’s board bags can be approximately three metres long, making airline bookings, transfers and handling considerably more expensive and complicated.
The official campaign therefore aims to raise R160,000 to help get the team and their equipment safely to El Salvador. Every contribution will reduce the financial burden on the athletes and allow them to focus more fully on preparing for the championship.
Meet the 2026 South African Longboard Team
Christy Gilmour
Durban’s Christy Gilmour continues to establish herself internationally after qualifying for the 2026 World Longboard Tour. Her smooth style, competitive determination and growing international experience make her one of South Africa’s most exciting longboarding talents.
Cally Taylor
Cally Taylor’s surfing journey began at Nahoon Corner before she relocated to Jeffreys Bay. Having initially focused on shortboarding, she later discovered the flow, style and technical demands of longboarding. Her national selection represents years of commitment and steady progression through the competitive ranks.
Sam Christianson
Five-time South African Longboard Champion Sam Christianson brings substantial championship experience to the team. The Muizenberg surfer placed seventh at the 2023 ISA World Longboard Championship and will once again be looking to challenge the leading international competitors.
Shane Fourie
Cape Town’s Shane Fourie earned his place through consistently strong performances on the national circuit, including third place at the 2025 South African Longboard Championships. His composure, experience and competitive consistency will be valuable assets in El Salvador.
Why Your Support Matters
An international championship is about far more than the athletes in the water. Every successful national team is backed by a community that believes in what its surfers can achieve.
A donation of any size helps pay for flights, accommodation, entry-related expenses and board transportation. Sharing the campaign with friends, family members, surfing communities and local businesses can be just as valuable, helping the appeal reach people who may be willing to contribute.
Businesses can also support the fundraising raffle by donating products, vouchers, accommodation, restaurant experiences, surf equipment, clothing, artwork, professional services or other suitable prizes valued at R500 or more. Participating sponsors can receive recognition through campaign artwork, social media exposure and team thank-you posts.
Supporting this campaign is an opportunity to stand behind four athletes who have worked for years to earn the right to represent South Africa.
Let’s Get Team South Africa to El Salvador
South African longboarding has a proud international history. In October, Christy, Cally, Sam and Shane will have another opportunity to build on that legacy and show the world the quality, character and spirit of our longboarding community.
Now they need the country behind them.
Whether you donate, contribute a raffle prize or simply share the campaign, your support can help turn their national selection into a place on the starting line in El Salvador.
One team. One country. One wave.
Click HERE to Support Team South Africa Longboarding
PS, you can also leave your well wishes and support in the comments below 😉