Byron Bay’s Kai Ellice-Flint stuns the surfing world after winning maiden title on professional tour

BYRON Bay’s Kai Ellice-Flint has achieved a dream result, claiming his first World Longboard title after a memorable season on the professional tour.

He became just the eighth Australian to win a world longboard title and was crowned champion at the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championship event.

“It’s been a hell of a journey,” he said.

“I lack a little bit of self-confidence and critique everything all the time, always trying to better something, a better board design or something.

“It’s ingrained in me. I want to do better, be better, and be the best. Build the best boards that I possibly can and put them under my feet.

“I wish I had words for it. I have so much love for what my family has done for me, with all the support and how they’ve been there for me through my sacrifices in this life for me.”

Ellice-Flint showed his class from start to finish, beginning with a decisive win over reigning four-time champion Taylor Jensen.

He also posted dominant two-wave scores over French surfer Edouard Delpero on his way to the final.

The 29-year-old was awarded a wildcard for the 2025 World Longboard Tour after just missing out last year.

He defeated Jensen for his first career win at the Lexus US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, California.

“As a grom, you look at the US Open like this is such a big event,” he said.

“I’m super grateful.

“I’m doing this for my family, for my friends, and all the people who have supported me over the years.

“I just felt like I needed to push hard for this the last six or nine months.”

American surfer Rachael Tilly went back-to-back to claim her third women’s world title.