The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series (QS) made its move from the shores of Virginia Beach to the famed coastline of North Carolina's Outer Banks. The WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico, a men's and women's QS 1,000, provides the opportunity for competitors to showcase what they're capable of when conditions align and also offers crucial points toward building their 2025 Challenger Series qualification. This event also sets up fun for the whole family with sponsor activations, plus WRV and Pacifico pop ups throughout the Labor Day weekend.
Defending Event Victor Sanoa Dempfle-Olin Returns
Canada's recent resurgence in competitive surfing has brought the likes of Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN), along with her sister Mathea, to the spotlight. After finishing runner-up to her sister Mathea at Morro Bay in 2023, Sanoa took her first-ever QS win at the WRV Outer Banks Pro last year over former event victor Zoe Benedetto(USA). Dempfle-Olin heads into her event title defense straight off a Finals appearance in Virginia Beach and now looks to secure a second QS win of her own.
"I'm super excited to be back in the Outer Banks," said Dempfle-Olin. "Last year we had some amazing waves that were so much better than the average contest. But, even without that in mind, it's beautiful there. I'm just happy to be back on the East Coast and enjoying it, and definitely excited going into this next event in the Outer Banks."
The Canadian powerhouse, Dempfle-Olin, will have to overcome familiar talents including recent Virginia Beach Pro victor Alana Lopez (USA), fellow finalists Lanea Mons (USA) and Zoey Kaina (USA), emerging threats Sara Freyre (USA), Zoe Chait (USA), and Florida's Kylie Pulcini (USA) among more. They look to join recent Championship Tour (CT) rookie Alyssa Spencer(USA), now Challenger Series contender Zoe Benedetto (USA), alongside former CTers Claire Bevilacqua (AUS) and Karina Petroni (USA) as event victors
Blayr Barton Set to Back Up Victory at Home
A dream came to fruition for Blayr Barton (USA) after taking his first QS victory in home waters at the Virginia Beach Pro and now comes to the Outer Banks with a lot of momentum. Barton, 20, claimed the North America Pro Junior Regional title and will compete for a WSL World Junior Championships accolade, and now adds his name to Virginia Beach legend after becoming just the second local competitor to earn a QS title alongside the long-standing ECSC. Now, Barton's sights are on more success at the WRV Outer Banks Pro and becoming the first men's competitor since fellow Virginia Beach hero Michael Dunphy (USA) to sweep the East Coast leg.
"I'm psyched, coming off a win and just stoked to get back in the jersey and hopefully take this one out too," said Barton. "These are probably my two favorite events of the year so I'm psyched I get to do it this year. It's been an unreal year for me. I'm so excited for everything that's to come and just so blessed. With my injury and now coming into these events, I'm just so excited and something I never dreamed of."
An extensive field awaits to challenge Barton for the WRV Outer Banks Pro title including Dunphy, 2023 finalists Sam Reidy (CRC) and Cannon Carr (USA), regional threats Owen Moss (USA), Taro Watanabe (USA), Ryan Huckabee (USA), Dimitri Poulos (USA), Wheeler Hasburgh (CAN), and many more.
Plus, Central America' Anthony Fillingim (CRC), Tomas King (CRC), Nadav Attar (ISR), Teo Grani (PAN), join Manuel Selman (CHL), Ocean Gittens (BRB) and more as regional competitors looking to take the title out of the United States' hands once more.
Full Week of Surfing, Activations, and More at Jennette's Pier
Alongside some of North America's premier competitors taking over the lineup, Labor Day weekend is in full effect at Jennette's Pier with the WRV pop up shop each day from 10 a.m. EDT through 4 p.m EDT. The Pacifico and WRV Outer Banks Pro kickoff party following a fundraiser to support the UNC Cancer Hospital at Chapel Hill, a Billabong movie premier featuring the Outer Banks' own Bo Raynor (USA), and more throughout the week.
Event organizers will convene at 6:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 7:00 a.m. EDT start.
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.