HUNTINGTON BEACH, California, USA (Wednesday, July 24, 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) returns to action at the Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC and WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico, men's and women's QS 1,000 events, beginning August 21 through 25 and August 28 through September 1, respectively. The QS joins the longest-running surf event in the world, the East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), as it returns to Virginia Beach. Plus, the iconic stretch of coastline known as the Outer Banks provides the ultimate potential for barrels and high-performance action.
"We're really excited to see these two East Coast staple events return to the Qualifying Series schedule," said North America Regional Manager Meg Bernardo. "The incredible surf history of Virginia Beach keeps returning each year which is remarkable to see and to have our competitors return there for the 12th year speaks volumes to their commitment. Plus, WRV has remained a marquee event for surfers providing some incredible swell with what the Outer Banks can deliver."
ECSC Adds Another Historic Year to Its Incredible History
62 years and counting. A streak unmatched in surfing competitions around the world and the Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC joins the longstanding ECSC once more. Virginia Beach's famed 1st Street Jetty returns to host the second stop of North America's 2024/2025 season to reignite the race for Challenger Series qualification. But, the event also provides a full week of festivities for all ages with sponsor activations, live music, and more August 21 through 25.
"We are so excited to host the World Surf League at the 62nd Annual Coast Edge East Coast Surfing Championships this year," said Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Director Nancy Helman. "Our city not only has sunny skies and warm water in August, but also an amazing collection of hotels, restaurants and activities for visitors coming to be a part of the action. We look forward to a fun, successful event!"
Kolohe Andino's (USA) highly-anticipated return to Virginia Beach yielded a second win with a different victor set to be crowned in 2024. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Last year's full circle victory for Kolohe Andino (USA) showed the depth of what this event has encompassed after Andino won in 2011 - the first year the QS joined the ECSC. It also marked another milestone East Coast victory for Florida's own Zoe Benedetto (USA). Now, with Andino's eyes set on the Challenger Series, the likes of Virginia Beach's own, former event victor, Michael Dunphy (USA) is looking for more success among a stacked field.
"We are honored and blessed to be able to give back to the East Coast action sports community through the Coastal Edge ECSC," said Coastal Edge President D. Nachnani. "It is amazing to see the generations of competitors that converge here every year in Virginia Beach to celebrate this 62-year-old event. We are also very appreciative to the Jaycees, the city of Virginia Beach and all of our sponsors, without whose help, this event could not possibly take place and be as memorable as it has become. The gratification it brings us to be able to create 100's of thousands of memories every year is truly indescribable. We are just very happy to be a part of now The oldest continuous running surfing contest in the world."
The potential for East Coast epicness is back at Jennette's Pier where dream conditions can become reality. - WSL / John Ferguson
WRV Brings Outer Banks' Potential For Barrel Fest Back
Each year since 2011, and beyond going back to the early 2000s, WRV hosts one of the most anticipated QS events of the year on the iconic coastline of the Outer Banks. The potential for the event to witness East Coast perfection ranges from stormy, heavy conditions to glassy barrels and air sections - seen in 2023's aerial showcase that led to Levi Slawson (USA) first-ever QS win alongside Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN). Plus, WRV and Pacifico return with activations on-site to bring fun for the whole family beginning August 28 through September 1 to bring in Labor Day weekend.
"The Outer Banks always makes the call on the surf, but we love bringing the WSL to her beautiful shores year after year to share her beauty with the incredible athletes chasing the dream of qualifying for the Challenger Series and ultimately the CT," said WRV President LG Shaw. "With any luck, and the forecasted active tropics, this year will see some contestable waves and great weather. It's tough to find a better location on the East Coast than Jennette's Pier with its elevated vantage points and welcoming energy. WRV and Pacifico look forward to hosting everyone in Nags Head with Labor Day!"
The Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge will run August 21 through 25.
Watch Live
The WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico will run August 28 through September 1. Once called ON, the event will be streamed live at WorldSurfLeague.com, WSL YouTube channel, and the free WSL App.
For more information, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.