Campaign squad named for Lifesaving World Championships 2026

Surf Life Saving New Zealand High Performance has named their wider squads for the upcoming Lifesaving World Championships 2026 later this year.

The Black Fins and Junior Black Fins squads include athletes for both senior and youth (U19) campaigns, with final teams to be confirmed at the end of June ahead of the December championships in Port Elizabeth. Teams are made up of 12 athletes (6 male and 6 female) in each.

The announcement marks the next step in Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s high-performance pathway, following the recent naming of the 2026 athlete performance squads. From that group, athletes have been selected for the wider World Championships campaign.

Selection for the final travelling teams will consider a range of factors, including recent performances, versatility across multiple disciplines, and how athletes combine to form the strongest possible team across the full championship programme. There are still genuine opportunities for athletes to impress selectors. Strong performances over the coming months matter, and athletes can be added to the squad at any point if they show the right progression and capability to strengthen the team.

Unlike many domestic events that reward specialists, the World Championships require athletes who can perform across beach, ocean and pool events over an intense competition schedule.

Black Fins Campaign Lead Steve Kent said the challenge of Worlds is building a team that can perform across multiple events under pressure.

“Worlds is an intense four-day campaign and demands athletes who can adapt, combine strengths, and deliver when it matters most. The Black Fins have a strong mix of experience and fresh talent, and younger athletes pushing the more experienced athletes is exactly what lifts the whole squad.

“With racing not until December, it’s a long build-up. Even after the team is named in June, everyone knows things can shift, so we need to stay adaptable and prepared.

“We’re genuinely excited about this group and can’t wait to see what they bring when we hit the start line,” said Kent.

The months ahead will include key performance opportunities, logistical planning, and final preparations before selected athletes come together for a performance camp on the Gold Coast in October.

Junior Black Fins Campaign Lead Arna Majstrovic said naming the junior squad gives athletes a clear opportunity to push for final selection.

““Naming this squad gives athletes the chance to showcase their capabilities and step up in areas where we have identified opportunities.

“In June, the Southern Pool Championships in Christchurch will form a vital part of the selection process. At youth level, there can be significant growth and development between pool nationals and final team selection.

“With Worlds in December, we have the advantage of extra time to select the right team and ensure athletes are prepared to train and peak at the right time,” said Majstrovic.

New Zealand heads into the year with confidence after strong recent international performances, while host nation South Africa and traditional rivals Australia are expected to provide fierce competition.

Conditions in Port Elizabeth are expected to be challenging and changeable, with variable wind and surf likely to reward adaptable athletes.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand congratulates all athletes selected into the campaign squads and looks forward to following their journey to the world stage.

Lifesaving World Championships 2026 squad

Black Fins squad

• Briarna Irving (Waikanae)
• Charlize Duncan (Fitzroy)
• Claudia Kelly (East End)
• Cory Taylor (Midway)
• Fergus Eadie (Mairangi Bay)
• Gus Shivnan (Omanu)
• Isaac Gear (Piha)
• Jayden Murphy (Mount Maunganui)
• Joe Collins (Fitzroy)
• Louis Clarke (Mairangi Bay)
• Madison Kidd (Whangamatā)
• Molly Shivnan (Omanu)
• Olivia Corrin (Midway)
• Oska Smith (Omanu)
• Pipi Te Pania (Omanu)
• Pippa Nicol (Mount Maunganui)
• Rae Kwan (Mairangi Bay)
• Ryder Heath (Mairangi Bay)
• Sam Brown (Mairangi Bay)
• Tara Shotter (East End)
• Zoe Crawford (Mairangi Bay)

Junior Black Fins squad

• Abi Moxon (Mairangi Bay)
• Amelie Pearson (Papamoa)
• Celia Willoughby (Midway)
• Charlie Shivnan (Omanu)
• Charlize Duncan (Fitzroy)
• Charlotte Aburn (St Clair)
• Charlotte McLaren (Waimārama)
• Chris Callebaut (East End)
• Dylan Blanchard (Red Beach)
• Ella Sutton (Midway)
• Ethan Storey (Mairangi Bay)
• Finn Freemantle (Whangamatā)
• Harlow Horn (Omanu)
• India Vaughan (Mairangi Bay)
• India-Rose Scholes (Mount Maunganui)
• Jack Rust (East End)
• Jacqueline Kennedy (Midway)
• Lucy Kinnear (Waimārama)
• Luke Gillbanks (Pāpāmoa)
• Macy Hains (Piha)
• Max Cave (East End)
• Olivia Verryt (Omanu)
• Ollie Harland (Lyall Bay)
• Ollie Pepers (Pāpāmoa)
• Pipi Te Pania (Omanu)
• Simiosi Tukia (Whangamatā)
• Talen Hickford (East End)
• Tessa Scott (Omanu)
• Will Robinson (Whangamatā)