Swiss-Belhotel International Backs Kiwi Surfing Talent Izaro Williamson Sasia Ahead of World Championships

Swiss-Belhotel International is proud to announce its official sponsorship of 15-year-old longboarding sensation Izaro Williamson Sasia, who will represent New Zealand at the 2026 ISA World Longboard Championship in El Salvador this October. Serving as a presenting sponsor for the New Zealand Longboard Team, the Group is thrilled to support one of Australasia’s most promising young athletes on the world stage.

This unique partnership stems from a deep alignment of values and purpose. Through her surfing and her role as a SurfAid ambassador, Izaro has developed a strong affinity with Indonesia and the local communities she encountered there. This creates a natural connection with Swiss-Belhotel International, which maintains a substantial footprint across Indonesia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Why is Swiss-Belhotel International supporting the NZ Longboard Team?

Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the sponsors supporting Izaro, who will represent New Zealand at the 2026 ISA World Longboard Championship in El Salvador. The partnership celebrates the dedication required to compete internationally and reflects a shared appreciation for connection, performance and memorable experiences.

For the surfing community in Bali and New Zealand, the collaboration offers a meaningful point of connection between two places shaped by the ocean. Bali is home to a vibrant surf culture and an international travel community, while New Zealand has a strong relationship with coastal life, outdoor adventure and board sports.

The sponsorship also reflects Swiss-Belhotel International’s wider hospitality philosophy: Passion and Professionalism™ . In sport, as in hospitality, meaningful results are built through preparation, consistency, resilience and attention to detail.

A new generation of New Zealand longboarders

Izaro is part of a new generation of New Zealand surfers breaking through into international longboarding.

The 2026 New Zealand team is the country’s youngest-ever longboarding team, with all four athletes under 20 when they compete in El Salvador.

Izaro will be joined by Christchurch’s Jack Tyro, Mount Maunganui’s Jaxon Willows and Gisborne’s Te Waiotu Fairlie.

For Izaro, representing New Zealand is something she has been working towards for years.

A shared connection between Bali and New Zealand

Bali and New Zealand are different destinations, but both have strong coastal identities. Their beaches, communities and outdoor lifestyles attract people who value nature, exploration and time spent beside the water.

For surfers in Bali, international events provide a window into the wider longboarding world. For New Zealand supporters, Izaro’s journey to El Salvador is an opportunity to celebrate local representation on a global stage. Swiss-Belhotel International’s support helps bring these stories into a broader hospitality and travel conversation.

The partnership can also encourage visitors to look beyond a destination’s headline attractions. Surf culture is shaped by local people, shared traditions and the everyday relationships formed around the coast. Responsible travellers can contribute by respecting local communities, following beach guidance and protecting the natural environment.

Looking ahead to El Salvador

The 2026 ISA World Longboard Championship in El Salvador will give Izaro the opportunity to represent New Zealand on an international stage. The event will bring together athletes, supporters and surfing communities united by a respect for longboarding and the ocean.

Izaro will take with her the experience of growing up surfing Taranaki’s coastline, the support of her family and local surfing community, her connection with SurfAid and Indonesia, and now the backing of Swiss-Belhotel International.

The ISA World Longboard Championship will be a new level of competition and a valuable opportunity to learn, compete and experience international surfing alongside some of the world’s best.

For a 15-year-old surfer from New Plymouth, it’s an extraordinary next step.

Swiss-Belhotel International is proud to support Izaro and the NZ Longboard Team as part of this milestone. The collaboration reflects a shared belief that memorable achievements are strengthened by people who show up, contribute and encourage one another. As Izaro prepares for the 2026 ISA World Longboard Championship in El Salvador, this collaboration embodies commitment and respect for the ocean.