Pismo Beach Open: "The People's Event" is Back

Brisk mornings are back on the menu for October 11-14 for the second annual Pismo Beach Open. - WSL / Andrew Nichols

Away from all the glitz and glamor of the esteemed Championship Tour (CT), contests may not regularly return to the Qualifying Series (QS) schedule as often. But, when an event garners success and praise from all involved, that return is much more feasible and possible. Such is the case of the Pismo Beach Open Men's and Women's QS 1,000 returning for its second installment this fall, October 11 - 14.

Its inaugural success in late 2017 earned nods from all the competitors as one last opportunity to earn valuable points toward the 2018 season and truly embodied a "People's Event" vibe. This year, however, a just as valuable women's edition will be included after, due to the event dates falling after the last QS 6,000 of the year, they were unable to contest. But, Andy McKay and his team are beyond excited to bring this event back to life and add even more to it's growing legacy.

Cory Arrambide claimed the inaugural title -- his first-ever QS win after nearly a decade of competing. - WSL / Jon Reis

"The city of Pismo Beach is fired up to host the 2nd Annual Pismo Beach Open," McKay said. "Not only does California need more men's QS contests, but the women's division is even more neglected. Dignity Health has stepped up huge again this year, making it all possible. The central coast community is stoked to be part of the WSL schedule."

This event provided some big moments for a few surfers, but none perhaps more than Jordy Collins winning the North America QS Regional Title -- granting him a seed into the highest-rated events in 2018. But, it also provided local surfers such as Austin Neumann a chance at points in their own backyard

Central coast native Austin Neumann will enjoy the comfort of staying in his own bed once again. - WSL / Damien Poullenot

"We have the perfect setup for an event... it really means a lot for us on the Central Coast," Neumann said before last year's event started. "[It's a] great opportunity to get us on the map and get some valuable points. It's also all the more comforting for us to be sleeping in our own bed and having the community's support really is going to be huge."

One of the few local Central Coast surfers, Makena Burke, will be set to represent her Ventura home. - WSL / Andrew Nichols

Women's surfing continues to progress every year, and the QS schedule is trying to keep up with the addition of more events to supplement that progression. The women's QS season currently lists 53 events, though some remain tentative, after 2015 only yielded 12 events by seasons end and there's already been 15 women's QS events contested in 2018. With help from the likes of McKay and event organizers around the world, these type of numbers are holding.

Look for more on the Pismo Beach Open Men and Women's QS 1,000 in coming months.