The stage is set for opening day at the World Surf League (WSL) Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic Presented by Katin. Qualification for the WSL Longboard Tour is on the line with the North America Longboard Regional victors claiming their place among the world's best. Virginia Beach's famed 1st Street Jetty provides the playing field with some of the region's top contenders ready to take on the local standouts and celebrate the 22nd year of the Steel Pier Classic.
Current No. 1's Malia Ilagan and Cole Robbins Prepare to Fend Off Field
Following brilliant wins at the Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic, Malia Ilagan and Cole Robbins return to Virginia Beach looking to solidify their place atop the rankings and qualify for the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour. For Ilagan, it's her opportunity to join the world's best as a rookie as previous WSL Longboard Tour veteran, Robbins, looks to rejoin the chase toward his maiden World Title.
Ilagan's Semifinal result at the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic was her career-best before going on to win in Pismo Beach to start the new season, and also earned an out-of-region win in Noosa, Australia, earlier this year.
"I've made some pretty great friends there and it's a special place to go back and revisit where I've made some crazy memories. Almost getting a 10 in Virginia last year definitely helped settle my contest nerves," said Ilagan. "Pismo Beach was my first Final so I felt like it was my ice-breaking moment and that was finally the first time I felt able to surf to best of my ability. I just try to have as much at these contests that I can now instead of taking them so seriously. I'm thinking about all the fun I'm going to have rather than the result and not let it get to my head about the opportunity that could come up depending on how I do."
Chase Lieder Returns to Defend His Crown Following Incredible 2024 Year
The newest WSL Longboard Tour standout, Chase Lieder, began his run toward a maiden World Longboard Title at this event in 2024. Lieder's win helped secure his place back among the world's best where he went on to finish No. 8 in the world and requalify for the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour. Now, the 19-year-old is back to defend his event title just down the highway from his hometown of Montauk, N.Y.
"I've got no pressure going into it and I'm just going down there to have fun. It looks like we could have waves so I'm stoked," said Lieder. "Definitely spoil a few people's days [laughs]. I can't wait for that. It's just good to be around good longboarders that push you. I love it and I can't wait to do it in Virginia."
Parker Sawyer joins the likes of Camden Hoover and Story Martinez looking to keep the title in Virginia Beach this year. - WSL
Virginia Beach's Own Ready to Hold Down Home Waters
But, the region's best will have to deal with some of Virginia Beach's own to make their way to the top including former North America Longboard Regional runner-up Parker Sawyer. Plus, Camden Hoover and Story Martinez are also back to spoil proceedings and have their hometown in full support. Martinez's win at the amateur event was a highlight of the weekend in 2024 for the local crowd and now looks to carry that into the WSL event.
"Winning an event always gives me that confidence so I'm looking forward to the event again," said Martinez. "I've got a new Ricky Carroll log that I've been loving riding her at 1st Street so I'm stoked for the WSL event this year. Having a WSL event here in my hometown is always special. The surf community gets super happy being able to host it."
Event organizers will convene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start.