Zahlia Short

Zahlia Short: Australia's Rising Surfing Star

Early Life and Family Background

Born on March 6, 2006, in Austinmer, New South Wales, Australia, Zahlia Short grew up in a family deeply connected to the ocean. Her parents, both avid surfers, introduced her to the waves at a young age. Zahlia began surfing at the age of four, often participating in tag-team surfing sessions with her family. Her sisters, Shyla and Keoni, also share her passion for surfing, making it a family affair .​

Surfing Career and Achievements

Zahlia's dedication to surfing led her to compete in various junior events across Australia. In 2016, she secured first place in the New South Wales State Titles, marking a significant milestone in her early career . She has since participated in the Women's Qualifying Series and Junior Pro Series, with notable performances including a second-place finish at the 2022 Phillip Island Pro.​

Her consistent performances have earned her recognition within the surfing community. In the 2024 Women's Junior Tour, she achieved an average heat score of 8.03 and an average wave score of 2.65, ranking 31st overall .​

Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations

Zahlia's talent and charisma have attracted sponsorships from prominent brands such as Roxy, Channel Islands, and Tom Baker Health and Fitness . She also serves as an ambassador for RAWW Cosmetics, where she shares her skincare routines and product preferences, emphasizing the importance of self-care for athletes .​

Media Appearances and Projects

Beyond competitive surfing, Zahlia has ventured into media projects that showcase her versatility. In 2021, she starred in the short film "SWAP," alongside Australian freeskier Mia Rennie. The film explores the parallels between surfing and skiing, highlighting the girls' experiences as they swap sports to learn from each other's disciplines .​

Personal Interests and Lifestyle

Outside of surfing, Zahlia enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and dancing. She often shares her musical talents and lifestyle moments with her followers on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok . Her favorite surfing maneuver is the re-entry, and she cites professional surfer Stephanie Gilmore as a significant inspiration in her life .​

Zahlia's commitment to her sport, coupled with her engaging personality, continues to inspire young surfers worldwide. As she progresses in her career, she remains a prominent figure in the surfing community, embodying the spirit of dedication and passion.