U.S. finishes a mere 15 points behind France in a dramatic team title race, with Silvagni and Gall qualifying for the 2027 Pan American Surfing Games
San Clemente, CA (October 22, 2026) — Team USA claimed the team silver medal at the 2026 ISA World Longboard Championship, finishing with 2,650 points in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire battle with France. The United States finished just 15 points behind the world champions and 387 points ahead of third-place Peru, capping a standout week for the American longboard team in Surf City, El Salvador.
France entered the final day in the lead, but Team USA mounted a charge through the morning, moving into first place before France surfed back into first. As the women’s final wrapped up, the margin was so close that neither team was certain who had secured the world title. When the final scores were tallied, France emerged on top with 2,665 points, just 15 points ahead of the United States.
“The USA Surfing longboard team pushed hard all week. The team rallied and fought through to finals day. Avalon and Tony were standouts all week. Kaitlin was her gritty self, working the long rights with powerful carves and noserides. It was an emotional and exciting week with the best longboarders in the world. I couldn’t be more proud to help lead this squad to second in the world!” said Ryan Simmons, USA Surfing National Team Head Coach.
Tony Silvagni of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, and Avalon Gall of Laguna Beach, California, led the U.S. charge with exceptional performances, each earning individual silver medals and finishing second in the world. Gall impressed throughout the event with outstanding rail surfing, drawing powerful, committed lines across El Sunzal’s famous right-hand point. Silvagni battled through the final day, with a broken leash in the final adding a dramatic moment to his championship run.
Kaitlin Mikkelsen of Encinitas, California, with her son beside her this time finished fifth. She was less than a point away from making the finals in the eighth repechage. Her focused approach to the long rights, combining powerful carves and stylish noserides, helped keep the United States in contention throughout the week. Kevin Skvarna of San Juan Capistrano, California, who won the Pan American Surfing Games earlier in the year, exited the competition in round two.
“This team surfed incredibly well, and I’m grateful to have shared this experience with them,” said Silvagni. “Coach Ryan Simmons was the glue that held us together all week, keeping everyone focused and bringing great energy every day. Amy’s attention to detail and support with physical therapy and strength were invaluable throughout the event. Kaitlin, Avalon and Kevin all surfed so well, and the entire support crew worked incredibly hard behind the scenes. This silver medal was a team effort, and I appreciate everyone who helped make it happen.”
In addition to their world championship podium finishes, Silvagni and Gall qualified for the 2027 Pan American Surfing Games in Peru.
Silvagni’s ISA World Longboard Championship result also advances him on the qualification pathway for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima. Kevin Skvarna had previously secured the U.S. men’s quota by winning longboard gold at the 2026 Pan American Surfing Games in Venao, Panama. Under the official Lima 2027 qualification hierarchy, the ISA World Longboard Championship takes precedence over the earlier PASA result, putting Silvagni in line for the U.S. men’s quota.
Team USA’s silver medal reflected the collective work of four athletes and a dedicated support crew working together throughout the championship. From managing the physical demands of a week of competition to preparing athletes for critical heats, the team’s staff played an important role in keeping the surfers focused, healthy, and ready to perform.
Team USA athletes
Team USA support staff
USA Surfing extends its sincere thanks to the athletes and support staff for their commitment and teamwork throughout the championship. The organization also thanks its partners and sponsors for helping make Team USA’s international campaign possible: Kamaka Responsible Development, Resin Services, Khombu, Dryrobe, and Nomadix.
For full results and event coverage, visit https://isasurf.org/event/2026-isa-world-longboard-championship/
About USA Surfing
USA Surfing, Inc. is the International Surfing Association (ISA)-recognized national federation for the sport of surfing in the United States and the USOPC-certified National Governing Body for Olympic and Paralympic surfing. Based in San Clemente, California — home of the LA28 Olympic surfing venue at Lower Trestles — USA Surfing develops and supports American surfers across all competitive disciplines, including Olympic shortboard, para surfing, longboard, stand-up paddling, prone paddling, and bodyboarding. USA Surfing's alumni include back-to-back Olympic gold medalists, ISA World Champions, and a deep roster of American surfers currently competing on the 2026 WSL Championship Tour. For more information, visit usasurfing.org.
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