Storm surge threatens opening day as World Surf League’s historic East Coast event prepares for 63rd year of competition
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.— The Atlantic Ocean is beginning to show promising signs of swell as the World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series prepares for the Virginia Beach Pro Presented by Coastal Edge ECSC QS 2,000. With opening day set for Wednesday, August 20, event organizers are closely monitoring an impending storm system that could impact competition at Virginia Beach’s iconic 1st Street Jetty.
This marks the second stop of the 2025/2026 North America QS season, offering crucial Challenger Series qualification points to competitors. The event runs alongside surfing’s longest-running competition, the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), now celebrating its remarkable 63rd year.
Defending Champions Eye Repeat Performances
Local hero Blayr Barton returns to defend his historic 2024 victory, becoming just the second Virginia Beach native to claim a QS win on home turf. The Sandbridge competitor’s journey from seven-year-old ECSC participant to QS champion exemplifies the event’s deep community roots.
“It’s mindblowing with how long this event’s been running,” Barton reflected. “I’ve been doing the event since I was seven or eight years old and it’s surreal that it’s still a thing and become a big part of my life.”
Fresh off his best competitive year, including a Quarterfinal finish at the World Junior Championships, Barton enters with confidence and hometown support behind him.
On the women’s side, Alana Lopez seeks to defend her maiden QS victory from 2024. The 16-year-old Florida native has continued her upward trajectory, recently making her first Finals Day appearance at the Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro. With guidance from her father, former Championship Tour competitor Cory Lopez, the young talent has her sights set on back-to-back wins.
“It was such an amazing day last year getting my first and only QS win,” Lopez said. “I feel super lucky to have my family with me on the road, and they’re always right there with me.”
Stacked Field Features Local Legend
The competition field showcases North America’s elite QS talent, headlined by Virginia Beach’s own Michael Dunphy. The 2014 event winner and two-time North America QS Regional champion brings veteran experience and local knowledge to the lineup.
“Growing up here and surfing 1st Street there’s so many memories and this event means a lot to me more than any other,” Dunphy explained. “It looks like Friday, Saturday, Sunday is going to be super fun. Probably one of the better years for waves in a while.”
The men’s draw features multi-QS winners Taj Lindblad (USA) and Josh Burke (BRB), alongside current Challenger Series competitors Ryan Huckabee (USA) and Dimitri Poulos (USA). International talent includes Mexico’s Sebastian Williams and ISA Gold Medalist Jhony Corzo.
Women’s competition sees Reid Van Wagoner (USA) looking to bounce back after her early-season Quarterfinal appearance, joined by proven QS standouts Ella McCaffray (USA), Izzi Gomez (COL), Eden Walla (USA), and Zoey Kaina (USA).
Weather Watch
Event organizers are working closely with Virginia Beach city officials to monitor the approaching storm system. While the weather pattern threatens to disrupt scheduling, it could also deliver the quality surf conditions competitors are hoping for later in the week.
Competition officials will convene at 7:00 a.m. EDT Wednesday for a potential 7:30 a.m. EDT start, with conditions permitting.
The Virginia Beach Pro represents more than just another QS event—it’s a celebration of East Coast surfing culture and a proving ground where local talent meets international competition. As swell builds on the horizon, so does anticipation for what promises to be another memorable chapter in this storied event’s six-decade legacy.
Event Details:
- When: August 20-25, 2025 (conditions permitting)
- Where: 1st Street Jetty, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Competition Level: QS 2,000 (Men’s and Women’s)
- Live Coverage: WorldSurfLeague.com
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