All involved at the WRV Outer Banks Pro Men's and Women's pres. by Pacifico QS 1,000 awoke to a gift from Mother Nature Saturday as two-to-three foot swell came streaming into Jennette's Pier to contest a marathon day of Qualifying Series action.
Competitors relished in the fun conditions offering, high-performance sections that were not left to waste as both men and women's finals day draws are locked in after an incredible day finished men's Round 2 and 3, as well as women's Round 2.
Tommy Coleman Is Enjoying the Moment -- and Dropping Near-Perfection
Coleman's aerial antics ended up earning him the highest single-wave score, and heat total, of the event so far. - WSL / John Ferguson
Coleman picked up right where he left off after his Round 1 victory two days ago and dismantled top-seeded surfers, 2014 event winner Michael Dunphy, along with Cole Alves. The Vero Beach, Florida, native toppled Peres' 16.67 heat total with an outstanding 17.16 heat total of his own. Yet, that wasn't enough for the 16-year-old as he posted an event-best, single-wave score of a near-perfect 9.50.
Coleman is learning to find his comfort zone in the competitive jersey and showed complete control of both his Round 2 and 3 heats today.
"Definitely got lucky on a couple waves that guys didn't go on, but I've just been staying in the moment and having fun," Coleman said. "When you put all the pressure on you, it's not fun anymore so I've been trying to think of it more as a freesurf in heats. I just put the last event behind me and reset, and I'll try to finish strong in the Pro Junior, but I really want to do well here. It feels amazing to find my flow because I had some big guys in my heats and all these guys rip."
New Mentality Keeps Chauncey Robinson Powering Through
Robinson's form was intact through a big day of competition. - WSL / John Ferguson
Fellow Floridian Robinson edged out Coleman for heat total of the day with an impeccable 17.83, earning his own near-perfect 9.00 to start a hefty Round 3 battle. Robinson overtook Dunphy, who advanced into Round 4, along with Robert Grilho and Max Beach. The Melbourne Beach, Florida, native gave it everything in each heat and his work ethic, as well as new mindset, paid off for a slot into Round 4.
"It feels pretty good to be back into a finals day and I've felt like I've been able to finally get in rhythm with the East Coast this year," Robinson said. "Something just clicked. Maybe it's new boards or a new mentality going into this year after leaving Australia and learning a lot. Every event since Australia I've looked at completely different and it's been amazing. There's a few places I feel comfortable and this is definitely one of them."
9-Point Rides All Around: Nolan Rapoza Jumps in on the Fun
Rapoza got to work after a few lay days and was beyond belief when looking at what was in store. - WSL / John Ferguson
The Long Beach, California, native wasn't about to be left out and went to work for a 9.20 of his own -- solidifying two big heat wins on his event debut. Rapoza continues learning each time the jersey's on and today was no different, surfing both in low and high tide conditions at Jennette's Pier. The Atlantic Ocean came to the 20-year-old's rescue after a few days of waiting, and he took all of that energy and gave it right back with powerful performances.
"I feel like I've just been sitting in my room doing nothing and when I saw those waves it just made my day," Rapoza said. "In the first one I wasn't too stressed out, but the second was going to be harder with Josh in there along with the Japanese guys ripping so I'm happy how that went. It's only the third round so I didn't want to claim that ride, but in the inside I was and it's so good for confidence. I want to make sure I stay focused and keep my mind on what my goal is here and get a win."
Brasilians Storm Into Finals Day
The Brasilians are back in force and Fernando Junior toppled fellow countrymen, and defending champ, along the way. - WSL / John Ferguson
Despite the loss of defending WRV Outer Banks Pro Champion Gabriel Farias, the Brasilian contingent on hand are well-represented on finals day with Renan Pulga and Alan Donato leading the way. They're joined by Fernando Junior, who helped in the elimination of his countrymen Farias alongside Noah Schweizer in Round 2, but it was Peres who debuted brilliantly -- earning a 16.67 heat total.
The 20-year-old then followed up with a Round 3 win, posting another excellent 8.50 along the way. It's Pulga's second trip to Outer Banks and the young Brasilian has his eyes set on podium finish.
Pulga's lethal forehand garnered him an excellent score in each of his Round 2 and 3 heats. - WSL / John Ferguson
"I'm feeling really good after making a few heats in Virginia and just want to keep it going here," Pulga said. "I try to do my best and there's finally waves to showcase our surfing which is great. It was my strategy to just get on the good waves of the set and make a few big turns so I'm glad it worked out. I just want to keep it going, stay focused, and find the right wave, but I'm so stoked to be in finals day here."
While Donato may be all smiles on land, the switch gets flipped during his heats as he looks for familiar territory in Outer Banks. - WSL / John Ferguson
Former event runner-up Donato finished behind Dunphy in 2014, but doesn't want to leave Outer Banks without going one better this time around. It's the 32-year-old's first time back since 2015 after missing last year's dream day, but he hasn't forgotten what brought him back.
"The waves are so much more fun than the last few weeks over here and I lost early in Virginia so I'm stoked to make it through two rounds so far," Donato said. "I'm here with my friends and it's just a fun time, I love this place. I saw last year and so many barrels I just asked myself why I wasn't here, the only year I'm not here (laughs). I'm so comfortable here and with a few waves coming through each heat, we're all in the same boat and you just have to do your best."
Noteworthy Threats Still Involved
Kevin Schulz - WSL / John Ferguson
Current North America No. 2 Kevin Schulz only finds himself 190 points behind current No. 1 Lucca Mesinas and can steal it back from the Peruvian here with a result.
Also, Torrey Meister returns to the WRV Outer Banks Pro for the first time since it went on a hiatus from the QS in the early 2000s and, staying with Outer Banks barrel hunter Brett Barley, is getting the full experience after two lay days -- including a lot of fishing. Meister is joined by a plethora of talent such as 2018 breakout Cam Richards, an in-form Luke Gordon, last year's runner-up Stevie Pittman, and Barbadian QS threat Josh Burke.
A 7:30 a.m. EDT call will determine an 8:00 a.m. EDT start for men's Round 4 action.
Outer Banks Delivers, Near-Perfect Performances Determine Finals Day
WSL
All involved at the WRV Outer Banks Pro Men's and Women's pres. by Pacifico QS 1,000 awoke to a gift from Mother Nature Saturday as two-to-three foot swell came streaming into Jennette's Pier to contest a marathon day of Qualifying Series action.
Competitors relished in the fun conditions offering, high-performance sections that were not left to waste as both men and women's finals day draws are locked in after an incredible day finished men's Round 2 and 3, as well as women's Round 2.
Tommy Coleman Is Enjoying the Moment -- and Dropping Near-Perfection
Coleman picked up right where he left off after his Round 1 victory two days ago and dismantled top-seeded surfers, 2014 event winner Michael Dunphy, along with Cole Alves. The Vero Beach, Florida, native toppled Peres' 16.67 heat total with an outstanding 17.16 heat total of his own. Yet, that wasn't enough for the 16-year-old as he posted an event-best, single-wave score of a near-perfect 9.50.
Coleman is learning to find his comfort zone in the competitive jersey and showed complete control of both his Round 2 and 3 heats today.
"Definitely got lucky on a couple waves that guys didn't go on, but I've just been staying in the moment and having fun," Coleman said. "When you put all the pressure on you, it's not fun anymore so I've been trying to think of it more as a freesurf in heats. I just put the last event behind me and reset, and I'll try to finish strong in the Pro Junior, but I really want to do well here. It feels amazing to find my flow because I had some big guys in my heats and all these guys rip."
New Mentality Keeps Chauncey Robinson Powering Through
Fellow Floridian Robinson edged out Coleman for heat total of the day with an impeccable 17.83, earning his own near-perfect 9.00 to start a hefty Round 3 battle. Robinson overtook Dunphy, who advanced into Round 4, along with Robert Grilho and Max Beach. The Melbourne Beach, Florida, native gave it everything in each heat and his work ethic, as well as new mindset, paid off for a slot into Round 4.
"It feels pretty good to be back into a finals day and I've felt like I've been able to finally get in rhythm with the East Coast this year," Robinson said. "Something just clicked. Maybe it's new boards or a new mentality going into this year after leaving Australia and learning a lot. Every event since Australia I've looked at completely different and it's been amazing. There's a few places I feel comfortable and this is definitely one of them."
9-Point Rides All Around: Nolan Rapoza Jumps in on the Fun
The Long Beach, California, native wasn't about to be left out and went to work for a 9.20 of his own -- solidifying two big heat wins on his event debut. Rapoza continues learning each time the jersey's on and today was no different, surfing both in low and high tide conditions at Jennette's Pier. The Atlantic Ocean came to the 20-year-old's rescue after a few days of waiting, and he took all of that energy and gave it right back with powerful performances.
"I feel like I've just been sitting in my room doing nothing and when I saw those waves it just made my day," Rapoza said. "In the first one I wasn't too stressed out, but the second was going to be harder with Josh in there along with the Japanese guys ripping so I'm happy how that went. It's only the third round so I didn't want to claim that ride, but in the inside I was and it's so good for confidence. I want to make sure I stay focused and keep my mind on what my goal is here and get a win."
Brasilians Storm Into Finals Day
Despite the loss of defending WRV Outer Banks Pro Champion Gabriel Farias, the Brasilian contingent on hand are well-represented on finals day with Renan Pulga and Alan Donato leading the way. They're joined by Fernando Junior, who helped in the elimination of his countrymen Farias alongside Noah Schweizer in Round 2, but it was Peres who debuted brilliantly -- earning a 16.67 heat total.
The 20-year-old then followed up with a Round 3 win, posting another excellent 8.50 along the way. It's Pulga's second trip to Outer Banks and the young Brasilian has his eyes set on podium finish.
"I'm feeling really good after making a few heats in Virginia and just want to keep it going here," Pulga said. "I try to do my best and there's finally waves to showcase our surfing which is great. It was my strategy to just get on the good waves of the set and make a few big turns so I'm glad it worked out. I just want to keep it going, stay focused, and find the right wave, but I'm so stoked to be in finals day here."
Former event runner-up Donato finished behind Dunphy in 2014, but doesn't want to leave Outer Banks without going one better this time around. It's the 32-year-old's first time back since 2015 after missing last year's dream day, but he hasn't forgotten what brought him back.
"The waves are so much more fun than the last few weeks over here and I lost early in Virginia so I'm stoked to make it through two rounds so far," Donato said. "I'm here with my friends and it's just a fun time, I love this place. I saw last year and so many barrels I just asked myself why I wasn't here, the only year I'm not here (laughs). I'm so comfortable here and with a few waves coming through each heat, we're all in the same boat and you just have to do your best."
Noteworthy Threats Still Involved
Current North America No. 2 Kevin Schulz only finds himself 190 points behind current No. 1 Lucca Mesinas and can steal it back from the Peruvian here with a result.
Also, Torrey Meister returns to the WRV Outer Banks Pro for the first time since it went on a hiatus from the QS in the early 2000s and, staying with Outer Banks barrel hunter Brett Barley, is getting the full experience after two lay days -- including a lot of fishing. Meister is joined by a plethora of talent such as 2018 breakout Cam Richards, an in-form Luke Gordon, last year's runner-up Stevie Pittman, and Barbadian QS threat Josh Burke.
A 7:30 a.m. EDT call will determine an 8:00 a.m. EDT start for men's Round 4 action.
Chauncey Robinson
A critical day of competition unfolded leaving plenty of room for upsets and brilliant surfing at the Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like
The former Soup Bowl QS victor found his rhythm once again in defining fashion at the Barbados Surf Pro pres. by Diamonds International.
One event to go and 3,000 points on the line make for an open playing field heading into Barbados' famed Soup Bowl for both men and women.
The women made their highly anticipated debut as the men continued to decimate the Huntington Beach lineup.
Josh Burke, Ava McGowan and Noe Ledee claimed maiden Soup Bowl wins at Thomo QS 1,000 and Live Like Zander Junior Pro.
WRV Outer Banks Pro pres by Pacifico
A two-week run through North America's East Coast witnessed some clutch performances, tough conditions, and some shuffling among the
Outros dois brasileiros ficaram nas semifinais, Alejo Muniz na Espanha, e Alan Donato nos Estados Unidos.
The Brasilian contender made a surge through his maiden QS victory in dominating fashion over a stacked field.
Pulga keeps the Outer Banks Pro title in Brasil while Burke claims a win in her QS debut -- and both do so flawlessly.
It wasn't the conditions the WRV Outer Banks Pro QS 1,000 saw last year, but competitors fought through.