Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA (Tuesday, August 20, 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) contenders are back for the Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge ECSC, a men's and women's QS 1,000, and a chance at adding their names to East Coast surfing legacy. This event reignites the race for Challenger Series qualification with the North America season poised for a big year ahead and every point matters. Local and East Coast competitors are set to face some of the region's heavy hitters from the West Coast, Central America, and more.
**Local Hero Michael Dunphy Looks to Bring Event Win Back
Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Michael Dunphy brought home the city's first major win at this event for the first time in nearly thirty years in 2014. Now, the reigning North America QS Regional victor, Dunphy, is back for another shot to regain the crown after falling just short of the Final to Kolohe Andino in their Semifinal clash at the 2023 event.
"This event is a cornerstone of surfing in America, it's been around so long and there's so much history there," said Dunphy. "It's cool we still get this event and there's the amateur side and the [WSL] side. It's cool to see Jaycees, Coastal Edge, and everyone step up to make sure it was going to happen. To get the local support is huge and the Virginia Beach surfing community is huge. I didn't realize how much support and how much everyone in Virginia Beach would get behind me when I won it. I always love doing this event and I'd love to win it again."
Dunphy will have to fend off the likes of former event Finalist Tyler Gunter (USA), current Challenger Series contenders Owen Moss (USA), who also earned 2022 runner-up, Dimitri Poulos (USA), Ryan Huckabee (USA), and Taro Watanabe (USA) among many more in attendance.
**East Coast's Own Lanea Mons Sets Eyes on Big Result
At age 15, Lanea Mons (USA) has shown she's not to be taken lightly in recent events after notching her first Finals appearances in the Outer Banks last season and two Quarterfinals appearances to her name. The Floridian, Mons, earned a Semifinal finish at 1st Street Jetty last year, falling to eventual event winner Zoe Benedetto (USA), and now returns with more gusto and the opportunity for another shot at her first WSL win.
"I definitely have my goals set for the Final and I think I've been putting in the time, dialing my equipment and I think I have a good chance if I keep my head down," said Mons. "It's great to be a part of this contest because it's such a legacy. I remember the first year I did it, it was a 3,000 and Jett Schilling won, and Alyssa Spencer won. It's so cool seeing those amazing surfers doing well on the Challenger Series and the Tour. So it's cool to see how this contest takes them places and you get to see what is possible."
But, Mons must overcome the likes of recent Challenger Series wildcards Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) and Sara Freyre (USA), last year's Semifinalist Zoey Kaina(USA), Virginia Beach's own Camden Hoover (USA), alongside fellow Floridians Daya McCart (USA), Alana Lopez (USA), Kylie Pulcini (USA), and more.
**Music, Activations, and More for the Whole Family All Week
Coinciding with the Virginia Beach Pro, the 62nd Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Championships (ECSC) kicks off today, Tuesday, August 20, with activations, music and more through Sunday, August 25.
The Monster Energy BMX Stunt Team provides a vert demo and meet and greet Thursday, August 22 through Sunday. A pro volleyball tournament will be on showcase all week starting Tuesday through Sunday. Plus, the Coastal Edge Presents the Vans Custom Culture Art Exhibit begins Saturday and Sunday. Also, live music at the Pacifico Main Stage begins Friday through Sunday alongside much more to keep the whole family entertained.
The Virginia Beach Pro presented by Coastal Edge will run August 21 through 25.