Barbados’ Tommaso Layson leads opening day with 15.50 heat total while Hurricane Erin forces Thursday cancellation
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach Pro Presented by Coastal Edge ECSC delivered spectacular opening day performances at 1st Street Jetty, with rising international talent and seasoned veterans showcasing their skills in three-to-four-foot surf conditions. The World Surf League Qualifying Series 2,000 event saw compelling action across men’s Round of 112, women’s Round of 48, and the first 12 heats of men’s Round of 96 before Hurricane Erin’s approach forced organizers to cancel Thursday’s competition.
Barbados Rising Star Dominates Opening Day
Tommaso Layson (BRB) emerged as the standout performer of the day, posting an impressive 15.50 heat total that included the session’s highest single wave score of 8.25. The 16-year-old Barbadian, fresh off claiming an Open Men’s Coastal Edge ECSC title, demonstrated exceptional wave selection and forehand precision to establish himself as an early tournament favorite.
“That was the best start I could ask for,” Layson explained. “Before my heat I was looking to see what spot was breaking the best and right off the jetty looked like a right point break. That helped boost my confidence from the start and I had no nerves after that. I was pretty stoked after winning just before so I went into that heat with all good vibes.”
Layson’s performance highlighted the emerging talent from Barbados in professional surfing, with his technical approach and competitive maturity belying his young age. Matton Bain (USA) matched Layson’s excellent 8.25 single wave score in the following heat, setting up an intriguing dynamic heading into the Round of 64.
McLeish Returns from Injury in Dominant Fashion
San Clemente standout Mia McLeish (USA) made a triumphant return to competition following injury recovery, posting a commanding 14.50 heat total in the women’s Round of 48. The 17-year-old’s forehand attack and adaptability to changing conditions demonstrated why she’s considered one of America’s most promising young talents.
“That was super fun. There were some really fun small wedges and it’s amazing to be here,” McLeish said. “It’s so nice to be back at 100 percent. I was worried that it would always feel kind of poppy and weird but now it feels great and I’m so happy to be back in the water.”
McLeish’s performance earned her advancement to the top-seeded Round of 32, where she’ll face additional pressure alongside Ocea Green (CAN). Her fellow San Clemente competitor Taylor Stacy (USA)also impressed with her own forehand showcase, posting a solid 6.75 single maneuver score.
Teenage Sensation Meza Makes Statement
Teagan Meza (USA), at just 13 years old, announced her arrival on the professional scene with a dominant 13.50 heat total in her Virginia Beach Pro debut. The young Californian’s combination of technical maneuvers and natural flair earned her a convincing victory in only her second-ever QS appearance.
“It was kind of hard but I found the ones doubling up right in front me,” Meza explained. “I’ve been surfing Huntington Beach a lot and it’s been similar there so I’ve been getting my reps in. I would love to get some points here. Last year I only did Super Girl, but I’m young and had to get permission to do the QS and now I’m 13 so I’m stoked to do some more events.”
Meza’s performance underscores the depth of young American talent emerging in women’s professional surfing, with her fearless approach and technical ability suggesting a bright future ahead.
Veteran Experience Shines Through
Costa Rican veteran Jairo Perez (CRC) demonstrated his extensive Virginia Beach experience with a powerful 13.85 heat total, showcasing his ability to maximize smaller conditions. The longtime event competitor, who reached the semifinals at last season’s QS event, used his intimate knowledge of 1st Street Jetty to dominate his opening heat.
“Throughout the years I’ve met such amazing people. It’s beautiful getting to come back each year and this place has become a second home for me,” Perez reflected. “I just got a brand new board so that helps a lot. You never know what you’re going to get coming here. It could be one foot, two foot, or firing like it is today. I’m super blessed to win that first heat and just getting warmed up.”
Perez’s performance highlighted the value of experience and local knowledge in professional surfing, with his track record of multiple QS Finals Day appearances making him a serious contender for this year’s title.
International Talent Showcases Depth
The opening day featured impressive international representation, with competitors from Barbados, Costa Rica, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Israel, Mexico, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago demonstrating the global appeal of the Virginia Beach Pro.
Notable international performances included Izzi Gomez (COL)advancing in the women’s competition with a solid 10.40, while Amari Moore (PUR) showcased her forehand power with a 6.75 single wave score and 10.75 heat total.
Weather Disruption and Schedule Adjustment
Hurricane Erin’s approach forced event organizers to cancel Thursday’s competition, prioritizing competitor and spectator safety. The decision comes as the storm system threatens to bring dangerous surf conditions and severe weather to the Virginia Beach area.
Competition is scheduled to resume Friday, August 22, with organizers planning to assess conditions Friday morning before determining start times. The remaining men’s Round of 96 heats (13-16) await completion, followed by the highly anticipated women’s Round of 32.
Looking Ahead: Championship Implications
With defending champions Blayr Barton and Alana Lopez yet to compete, the tournament’s opening day established high performance standards that will challenge all competitors. The combination of rising international talent, returning veterans, and emerging young stars promises compelling competition when action resumes.
The Virginia Beach Pro’s significance extends beyond individual results, serving as the second stop of the 2025/2026 North America QS season and offering crucial Challenger Series qualification points. For many competitors, strong performances here could determine their professional surfing trajectories.
Complete Opening Day Results
Men’s Round of 96 Highlights:
- Tommaso Layson (BRB): 15.50 total
- Jairo Perez (CRC): 13.85 total
- Matton Bain (USA): 13.80 total
- Carl Burger (USA): 13.75 total
Women’s Round of 48 Standouts:
- Mia McLeish (USA): 14.50 total
- Teagan Meza (USA): 13.50 total
- Taylor Stacy (USA): 10.85 total
- Amari Moore (PUR): 10.75 total
As Hurricane Erin passes and conditions improve, the Virginia Beach Pro is positioned to deliver the high-quality competition and compelling storylines that have made it a cornerstone of East Coast professional surfing for over six decades.
World Surf League Related Articles:
- World Surf League: Fiji Cloudbreak Finals 2025
- World Surf League: Picklum & Robinson Win Lexus Tahiti Pro
- World Surf League: European Qualifying Series
Your Source for In-Depth Surfing Analysis and Breaking News – subscribe to Bad Dawg Sports’ premium newsletter for exclusive Championship Tour coverage and comprehensive surfing reporting.
Discover more from Bad Dawg Sports - Global Sports Coverage & Analysis
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
