VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia, USA (Monday, May 27, 2024) - Today, North America newcomers Chloe Coleman and Chase Lieder emerged victorious at the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic presented by Katin, the final stop of the 2023/2024 World Surf League (WSL) North America Regional Longboard Qualifying Series. Competitors powered through everything Virginia Beach delivered from lightning delays to dominant performances when the one-to-two foot swell pulsed into 1st Street Jetty. Coleman and Lieder shined for their maiden WSL victories to bring both the men's and women's event wins back to Montauk, New York.
Coleman, Lieder Claim Maiden Wins for Montauk Sweep
The women's Final kicked off with a proper exchange between Chloe Coleman and Cash Hoover within the opening minutes. Coleman's control on the nose and footwork garnered a 7.00 (out of a possible 10) to Hoover's 6.83. Montauk, New York's Coleman found herself just slightly behind Hoover after the Hawaii competitor's backup put her into a slim lead. But, Coleman answered with a 6.33 to overtake the lead halfway through the heat and pushed Hoover's requirement to a 6.51. With Hoover's attempts falling short of what she needed, Coleman held firm for her first-ever WSL victory and claimed the 2023/2024 North America Longboard Regional crown in the process.
"It feels really good to get the first win," said Coleman. "Cash [Hoover] was ripping so obviously it was pretty hard but she pushed me out there which is really exciting and fun. It reminded me a little bit of home which was nice. [Making the Tour hasn't sunk in] but it's really exciting and should be a lot of fun with just new experiences and I'm excited to better my surfing."
The 19-year-old Coleman's Finals Day surge began in great fashion to surmount event threat Luella Pace in their Semifinal bout before going on to claim her maiden WSL win. Coleman qualified for the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour and will take on the world's best for a chance at a World Title.
A clash of Finals Day standouts unraveled in the men's Final with Chase Lieder and Cole Robbins. Lieder wasted no time posting a solid 7.33 to apply pressure to Robbins early before backing it up with a 6.50 utilizing more of his impressive footwork. But, Robbins answered back with a 7.03 of his own before Lieder levitated his way to a near-perfect 9.50 and put Robbins in need of near-perfection to strike back. When the final horn sounded, it was Lieder who earned his maiden chair-up the beach in a WSL jersey and completing the Montauk sweep.
"I'm so stoked, first time winning a WSL event and I couldn't be happier," said Lieder. "Conditions were tricky and I just tried my best. I want to say thank you to my family and everyone who's been watching and supporting the whole time. I couldn't have done it without them. Michael Takayama made me this board right before the event and I'm just super stoked."
Chase Lieder's poise and style kicked off Finals Day against Cody Craig in Quarterfinal, Heat 1, to post a 15.77 heat total. But, Lieder wasn't done as he posted a dominant Semifinal performance to garner Finals Day's top single-scoring wave of a 9.77 against an in-form Ty Roach. Now, Lieder awaits his next opportunity to rejoin the world's best after getting a wildcard to the 2023 WSL Longboard Tour.
Cash Hoover (HAW) played ultimate spoiler and surged all the way to the Final, though not earning points out of region. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Robbins and Hoover Earn Runner-ups at 1st Street Jetty
A brilliant run from Cash Hoover witnessed the teenager storm through the event, besting North America contender Indie Hoffman in her Round of 16 heat before besting Stella Landers in the Quarterfinals. Then, Hoover continued that form on Finals Day with her style and grace to best event standout Malia Ilagan in the Semifinals before facing freshly crowned 2023/2024 North America Longboard Regional victor Coleman.
"I was stoked to make the Final at my first WSL longboard event ever," said Hoover. "I feel really proud of myself because my goal was just trying to make a couple rounds. Coming to Virginia Beach was such a good experience and I had never been before. It was so fun competing against the North America girls, I know most of them and we're pretty good friends. I met a few new people and made some good memories. Congrats to Chloe for taking the win."
Cole Robbins (USA) turned on for Finals Day to earn runner-up. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Former WSL Longboard Tour competitor Cole Robbins showed his experience and clutch surfing under pressure throughout Finals Day. Robbins' Quarterfinal win over Tucker Coleman kickstarted his run toward the Final after taking down then North America No. 1 Jack Van Wagoner in the Semifinals with an excellent 8.10 in his score line.
"That was a blast even though I was sinking in the Final and Chase [Lieder] was the guy to beat out here," said Robbins. "He's got so much style and he's so good on the nose and I was looking forward to our heat. I was hoping for a few more sets in the Final but my hat goes off to him. It feels good to compete with all these kids and it's lit my fire watching how good they surf now. It makes me want to get after it that much more."
2023/2024 North America Longboard Regional victors Jack Van Wagoner (USA) and Chloe Coleman (USA). - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Coleman and Van Wagoner Claim 2023/2024 North America Longboard Regional Victories
Van Wagoner's form through the 2023/2024 season included his first WSL victory and a Semifinal finish at this event to earn the North America Longboard Regional win. Despite Lieder's amazing win in Virginia Beach to tie Van Wagoner for the No. 1 spot, Van Wagoner's total heat wins outmatched Lieder and now the Carlsbad, California competitor will take on the world's best in 2024 alongside Coleman.
"It feels so good and I've been wanting this for awhile," said Van Wagoner. "Getting knocked out in the Semifinals and not sure how the tiebreaker worked so I was really nervous. I know Chase got third at Morro Bay so I knew it'd be a tie if he won and he was just surfing so good. It came down to those heat wins and I just edged him out. It's crazy and a dream come true to be on Tour and I can't wait to surf against the world's best."
WSL Longboard Tour kicks off at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic beginning July 18 through 21.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Day 2: Poise Under Pressure Determines Finals Day
An all-important Finals Day is set at the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic presented by Katin, the final stop of the 2023/2024 World Surf League (WSL) North America Regional Longboard Qualifying Series, with head-to-head matchups getting underway. Men's Round of 16 bouts highlighted the morning start before women's toe-to-toe Quarterfinal duels unfolded in small conditions at Virginia Beach's 1st Street Jetty. Now, 2024 event titles are on the line along with the 2023/2024 North America Longboard Regional crowns hanging in the balance.
Ilaghan eyes down a Semifinal appearance after an early exit in 2023. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Ilaghan Keeps Excellent Form Intact, Finals Day Bound
Emerging contender Malia Ilagan continued to shine in her 1st Street Jetty performances, adding an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10) to her account with more poise on the nose and stylish ending turn. Ilaghan went head-to-head with current rankings leader Star D'Elia (USA). The 17-year-old put more pressure on D'Elia with a 4.87 and left her competitor needing a 7.20 when the horn sounded.
"I've been getting so lucky out there," said Ilaghan. "It's almost a shocking feeling to get a nugget like that and see the score go that high. It was really tough out there. But, I'm stoked since I lost super early last year and now I'm in the Semifinals, it's crazy."
Chloe Coleman (USA) earned a clutch Quarterfinal heat win and now looks to claim a massive regional victory along with a win at 1st Street Jetty. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Coleman Inches Closer to Maiden North America Longboard Regional Victory
After Ilaghan's performance, the door is open for Chloe Coleman to take over the No. 1 spot and earn a maiden North America Longboard Regional crown. The Montauk, New York competitor squared off with Virginia Beach's own Camden Hoover in their Quarterfinal clash and Coleman's footwork to time spent on the nose earned her a 7.50. Coleman's 13.83 (out of a possible 20) put Hoover into a combination situation when time expired as Coleman earns back-to-back Finals Day appearances in 2023/2024.
"I'm hyped to have a chance at No. 1 but I love Star [D'Elia], she's amazing to surf with and one of the sweetest people ever," said Coleman. "It kind of reminded me of a place at home today that doesn't break too often but when it does we get really excited to go out. I've never really found my feet in contests and I've always been more of a freesurfer, but now I'm finally feeling like I'm finding my way through events."
Ilaghan's fellow Ventura, California competitor Luella Pace and Hawaii's Cash Hoover also earned big Quarterfinal victories and find themselves in the Semifinals.
Jack Van Wagoner (USA) is on a mission and surges into Finals Day to stay at No. 1 on the rankings. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Van Wagoner Carries No. 1 Ranking Back Into Finals Day
Carlsbad, California's Jack Van Wagoner upped the ante with back-to-back Quarterfinal appearances after a commanding Round of 16 victory in one of the day's most heavily-contested heats. Van Wagoner took on North America No. 4 Noah Shimabukuro alongside in-form competitor Gavin Idone and former WSL Longboard Tour competitor Cole Robbins. Van Wagoner's style and control garnered a 7.33 to take over the lead from Robbins' strong start as both move into Finals Day.
"That whole heat I was in the second-place area and it was really sketchy since they didn't need big scores," said Van Wagoner. "But then I got that 7.33 and I could breathe (laughs). I just try not to think about who's in my heat and just focus on myself, and know that I can surf this heat like any other. I'm stoked to be in Finals Day and hopefully it gets a little better for tomorrow."
Chase Lieder (USA) continues to elevate his performances into Finals Day. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Lieder Leads the Pack Toward Head-To-Head Matchups
Another impressive showing from Chase Lieder took over 1st Street Jetty when it mattered, facing 2023 runner-up Saxon Wilson, Noah Hogle, and Gus Hertz in their Round of 16, Heat 1 battle. Lieder's dominant form earned a 14.10 heat total with Wilson finding his rhythm to go back into Finals Day in Virginia Beach. Now, only Lieder and Van Wagoner remain in a duel for the 2023/2024 North America Longboard Regional title.
"It was crazy just trying to look for something to work with and I would just angle my board where I wanted to go since it was tough to do a deep bottom turn," said Lieder. "But I got to my feet on that one and tapped the nose for hang ten then knew I had to finish it. It's always fun surfing with those guys and definitely going to see them in the future. Hopefully take this energy into tomorrow and just want to say thank you to my family and sponsors for supporting me."
Tucker Coleman and Ty Roach notched Round of 16 heat wins of their own to surge toward Finals Day.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. EDT to determine a possible 7:30 am. EDT start.
The Coastal Edge Steel Pier classic window opens May 25 through May 27 at Virginia Beach, Virginia's, 1st Street Jetty.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Day 1: Style and Poise Shine on Opening Day
The Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic presented by Katin, the final stop of the 2023/2024 World Surf League (WSL) North America Regional Longboard Qualifying Series, kicked off at Virginia Beach's iconic 1st Street Jetty. A testy day of smaller conditions challenged the region's top competitors who answered the call and delivered impressive showcases of style and poise. Men's Round of 34 and Round of 32, plus women's Round of 16 finished in their entirety and witnessed all top seeds make their debuts.
Current North America No. 1 Jack Van Wagoner (USA) continued to push the pace with a pristine debut. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Van Wagoner and Barry Set the Standard
Current North America No. 1 Jack Van Wagoner continued to showcase his dominant form with a men's Round of 32 best, 14.07 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Van Wagoner's poise on the nose and footwork earned an impressive 7.90 (out of a possible 10) and now takes that bravado to the Round of 16. The Carlsbad, California competitor looks to push the pace as the rankings leader and set the standard on opening day.
"It's awesome to be out here with perfect weather and I'm just stoked to be able to trunk it, but even with the subpar waves there's still scores to be had," said Van Wagoner. "You just have to be super picky and I'm looking forward to hopefully keeping it going. Coming into this event as No. 1 definitely gives me some confidence and I know I can get the scores if I just get the waves. But out there everyone had 7's in that heat so it was really fun."
Bucky Barry (USA) brought out his full variety in front of the local crowd. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic standout Bucky Barry put on a clinic of his own, accruing a 14.06 heat total, utilizing the full length of his board. Barry's composure and style stood apart in a tough clash featuring current No. 4 Noah Shimabukaro (USA), who also advanced, and now looks to carry that momentum. The Californian's time on the East Coast working with Surfers Healing in Virginia Beach had Barry prepared for his WSL debut at the 1st Street Jetty.
"We're longboarders and our job is to make tiny waves look good so people get stoked on our boards like my 'Uncle Buck 2' by Hobie (laughs)," said Barry. "But from what I watched and the board I had, I felt really comfortable out there. Plus, spending time on the East Coast I'm used to it and I was getting really psyched in the airport coming here after seeing a post that had my Morro Bay wave. There is a cool pressure to show off your surfing and now we're here where everyone is looking at us in these pristine weather conditions."
Saxon Wilson (USA) overcame a broken ankle and is back in form in Virginia Beach. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Wilson's Back from Injury, 2023 Event Runner-up Returns in Fine Form
Last year's event runner-up, Saxon Wilson (USA), returned to 1st Street Jetty in fine form despite the small conditions. Wilson's recovery from a broken ankle has him back to his signature style and wasted no time posting a 13.00 heat total.
"I haven't been surfing the last few months with my injury and haven't seen anyone for awhile, and I feel like longboarding is really community based," said Wilson. "It's like a family more than anything. Whether you do good or not, everyone is having a good time. I'm just stoked to be here and be healthy and to keep going for another heat."
Also notching early heat wins, Steven McLean, Chase Lieder, Tucker Coleman, Gavin Idone, and Cody Craig.
Malia Ilaghan (USA) turned in a brilliant performance in tough conditions - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Ilaghan Goes Near-Perfect in Virginia Beach Debut
The women returned to the arena of 1st Street Jetty in strong fashion showing their poise under pressure with Malia Ilaghan (USA) going next level and posting a near-perfect 9.83 in her Virginia Beach debut. The 17-year-old's footwork, control over the nose and style shined, adding a 14.46 heat total to notch an opening day's best performance. Ventura, California's own was all smiles and now prepares for the Quarterfinals alongside a big performance from Virginia Beach's Cash Hoover - eliminating current No. 3 Indie Hoffman.
"I was really stressed and just couldn't catch a wave so I'm really stoked that came through for me," said Ilaghan. "We compete against each other all the time and we're always rotating who wins heats so I'm always on my toes going against them. It's really good for my confidence but I'm still not super comfortable going into these heats just with how good these girls are."
Luella Pace (USA) looks to play spoiler for those in contention for the North America regional title. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Pace Showcases Her Form to Kickstart Strong Surge
Fellow Ventura competitor Luella Pace showcased her control and style over tricky sections to win her Round of 16 debut and overtake former World Champion Jenn Smith. The emerging competitor continues to find her form in the WSL jersey and now looks for another big performance in the Quarterfinals when competition resumes.
"That was so fun, it was really tough but I had a lot of fun," said Pace. "I was just trying to catch a couple little ones and just wait for some better ones. It's been so cold at home so I'm loving it here. Everybody is so good and Jenn Smith is amazing, it's crazy to think that the younger girls are coming up against the women who have been on Tour."
Chloe Coleman kept her 2023/2024 North America regional title hopes alive and well. - WSL / Dylan O'Donnell
Dynamic wins from current No. 3 Chloe Coleman, including a 13.33 heat total, and Stella Landers (USA) also earned them places into the Quarterfinals alongside heat runner-ups. The race for the North America Longboard Regional crown continues into the Quarterfinals with No. 1 Star D'Elia progressing past her Round of 16 debut.
Event organizers will reconvene at 10:30 a.m. EDT to determine a possible 11:00 am. EDT start.
The Coastal Edge Steel Pier classic window opens May 25 through May 27 at Virginia Beach, Virginia's, 1st Street Jetty.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.