An inbound swell provided a new stage for the World Surf League (WSL) WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, contenders to showcase an array of high-performance surfing. The top-seeded women competitors continued to make their Round of 32 debuts before action shifted to the men's Round of 64 where top seeds awaited their respective debuts before Round of 32 draws ensued. With the two-to-four foot wind swell pulsing throughout the day, competitors elevated the scale to set up all-important Quarterfinal bouts.
The early event standout Caleb Crozier keeps surging and this time against top seeds in the Round of 64 where Crozier elevated his performance to post a near-perfect 9.50 and blasts into the Round of 32.
Caleb Crozier Cranks the Scale Toward Near-Perfection, Backs it Up in Round of 32
Amid the top seeds making their brilliant debuts, Caleb Crozier played an early spoiler in comeback fashion against former event victor Taro Watanabe, also advancing, while posting a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10). Crozier's combination of a turn to a big air-reverse on his backhand pushed the scale after accruing a 6.60 on a single, backhand air earlier in the heat for a 16.10 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The Southern Californian kept his composure in a stout Round of 32 affair, advancing behind an in-form Carl Burger, and Crozier moved into the Quarterfinals after a four-year stint away from competition.
"I didn't think it was 9.50 but I was stoked on it, probably shouldn't have claimed it again (laughs)," said Crozier. "It's about head-high on the sets so I'm stoked. I showed up first heat and it was firing and I knew it was just going to be a surfing battle which is my favorite because you're just doing your surfing. It's been weird not doing competitions for four years and realizing how frantic I was back then versus now. I was comboed so just to be able to fight back, I'm just stoked."
Jake Davis reminded us of his backhand power with a decimating performance to accrue an excellent 8.50 and move into the Quarterfinals alongside fellow San Clemente standout Kei Kobayashi.
Jake Davis Finds His Form, Battles Toward the Quarterfinals
After a hard-fought Round of 64 bout, Jake Davis regained his form in decimating form to blast an excellent 8.50 over fellow San Clemente standout Kei Kobayashi, former event victor Taro Watanabe, and Round of 64 threat Titus Santucci. Davis was able to find his scoring waves under priority, including his 8.50, and posted a 14.45 heat total with Kobayashi advancing behind him into the Quarterfinals.
"I woke up a little bit under the weather and just feeling weird, but I found a Starbucks and had a litte breakfast with my wife, laid down and I just felt totally back to normal," said Davis. "I got all my scores under priority and felt that the guys were a little off the bank and just went back to that zone every time. That 8.50 was super clean and just had a lot of speed, tagged it, and just buttoned it up on the end."
"I'm pretty much a full-time coach, that's my job and definitely want to be a pro surfer but you have to pay the bills," said Davis. "I know I can give back to the youth and I coached Jett Schilling to his World Junior title and an equal ninth at the US Open, and it's just fun to be with friends and see them succeed."
The Southern Californian Kai Kushner showed his ability to perform when the waves turn on and delivered an excellent 8.40, and 16.15 heat total, in his Round of 64.
A marathon day witnessed brilliant performances from the likes of Kai Kushner, who posted the day's best heat total of a 16.15, William Hedleston's and Ryland Rubens' excellent 8.75, and more throughout the Round of 64.
Impressive showings from Carl Burger, Lucas Owston, Reed Platenius, Wheeler Hasburgh, Matton Bain, and San Clemente duo Cannon Carr, who posted a 15.25 and Taj Lindblad, posting an excellent 8.50, earned them crucial Round of 32 wins to storm their way into the Quarterfinals and a potential Finals Day.
Jacksonville's own Lanea Mons lit up the lineup to post an excellent 8.00 single-wave score and 15.00 heat total as she looks to return to the Final back-to-back years.
Lanea Mons Lights Up Outer Banks Debut for Quarterfinal Appearance
Lanea Mons set a new standard for the women with the rise in swell and unleashed her signature forehand attack to post the first excellent score of the day, an 8.00, in the Round of 32, Heat 8. Mons' comfort in East Coast waters translated to a confident showing with a Round of 32 best, 15.00 heat total. Now, Mons looks to keep her pace toward back-to-back Finals at the WRV Outer Banks Pro.
"I'm super happy and the Outer Banks has a special place in my heart, I've been coming here since I was a kid," said Mons. "I'm just really happy I could get the ball rolling and keep it moving. It's like home to me getting to bring my family and my dog, I love the East Coast contests. There were some really sick lefts so I'm super stoked with that heat."
The Californian, Vela Mattive, looked right at home in the rising swell at Jennette's Pier and notched a 14.65 heat total to kickstart her WRV Outer Banks Pro campaign.
Vela Mattive Brings Her Progression, Pushes through Debut
Vela Mattive put on a display of forehand and backhand power to accrue a 13.50 heat total, including a 7.50 single-scoring wave, and moved straight into the Quarterfinals. Mattive narrowly missed out on the Final in Virginia Beach, but brought her bravado to the Outer Banks as she looks to close out the East Coast leg with a big result.
"That was such a fun heat, I'm super stoked to win it and stoked for tomorrow" said Mattive. "It's so good starting off the heat strong and building off those scores felt good. It's super important to finish strong and just having a good attitude no matter what the waves are and just making the most of it."
Also joining the Quarterfinal draw, Kylie Pulcini earned a clutch Round of 32 victory to start the day.
Day 3: Women Take Over in Debuts
The women stormed their debuts at the World Surf League (WSL) WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, with top-seeded competitors making their moves over early success stories. The Round of 36 and Round of 32 wrapped to set up all-important Quarterfinal bouts as the men's Round of 64 was called OFF for the day.
Eden Walla's Impressive Start Leads Women's First Bouts
Smaller conditions were no stress for an in-forn Eden Walla once she found her rhythm against recent Virginia Beach Pro winner Alana Lopez, who also advanced, Mya Kuzmovich, and Camden Hoover. Walla built her foundation early before posting an impressive 6.80 (out of a possible 10) on her forehand attack and added a 6.50 to accrue the day's best heat total of a 13.30 (out of a possible 20).
"It feels great to make my first heat and make it with a few scores," said Walla. "I wasn't super stoked with my result in Virginia Beach, but I'm just happy to have another chance a few days later. It's tough facing Alana [Lopez] and all those girls since they are really good surfers, but it always feels nice to get going with a heat win."
Zoey Kaina Brings Her Bravado to the Outer Banks
Emerging QS contender Zoey Kaina continues to put on great performances no matter the conditions and pushed her WRV Outer Banks Pro debut to a 13.10 heat total. Kaina's ability to push her forehand attack into sections keeps adding impressive scores to her resume, notching a 7.25 to take a win over Taylor Stacy, who also advanced, who posted the day's best single-scoring wave of a 7.75. Now, Kaina, 13, looks to add her name to another East Coast Final and earn a total of 1,800 points to finish the stint of events.
"It feels good to be back here and try to get some waves," said Kaina. "My strategy was to get a wave right off the start and then back it up quick. You have to be really wise when it comes to using priority in these types of waves. I want to thank my family and friends and sponsors for supporting me."
Sanoa Demplfe-Olin (CAN) is back to defend her title and started with a Round of 32 victory. - WSL / Elizabeth Fowler
Defending Event Winner Sanoa Dempfle-Olin Back in Winning Form
Kicking off the Round of 32, defending event victor Sanoa Dempfle-Olin picked up where she left off with more success to send her straight to the Quarterfinals. Dempfle-Olin's incredible year already has one QS Final appearance, a qualification toward the 2024 World Junior Championships and a showing in Tahiti at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, she looks to secure her place toward the top of the rankings with a big result here in the Outer Banks.
"This was my first QS win here last year so there's a lot of good memories and the waves aren't as good as they were then, but it feels good to make that heat," said Dempfle-Olin. "It's nice to be back and hopefully get some more waves the next few days. Usually after an event you have some time so to have one a couple days after you get to stay in that focus zone and more opportunity so I like it a lot."
Big Round of 32 heat wins from Avery McDonald and Zoe Chait add their names to the Quarterfinal contenders with momentum in their corner.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. EDT for a possible 7:30 a.m. EDT.
Day 1: Early Event Standouts Emerge in OBX
The World Surf League (WSL) WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, powered through opening day action. Men's Round of 104 and 96 provided moments of magic with aerial antics and power surfing before the high tide overtook the swell, forcing event organizers to call competition off following the Round of 96. Now, the men's top-seeded Round of 64 is set as women await their debuts.
The Southern California competitor Caleb Crozier stomped an air-reverse in the dying seconds of his WRV Outer Banks Pro debut to soar into the Round of 64 after building his foundation.
Caleb Crozier Takes Flight, Notches Round of 96 Debut Win
A clutch performance from Caleb Crozier took the Southern California competitor soaring into the Round of 64 with his last-second aerial antics. Crozier needed a 6.16 (out of a possible 10) as he took off for his last attempt, with the clock expiring after he was to his feet, and landed an air reverse to secure a 7.50 and heat win over an in-form Teo Grani, who also advanced.
"I was in shambles just thinking God give me one more wave and I'll do it," said Crozier. "I heard the countdown and thought I could two turns or just go and saw the section for an air. Went for it and thank God I landed it. To be able to build off confidence is a dream and I'm stoked to build the house from here. I was so bummed in my Virginia Beach heat just needing a wave after getting a good score so I'm stoked we have waves here, it's like a little Duranbah [Australia]."
The QS threat Tex Mitchell made his debut worthwhile, taking to the air for a day's best 7.50 and soaring toward the top-seeded Round of 64 with an early heat win.
Tex Mitchell Soars to Round of 64 with Early Success
Returning to the QS jersey in Virginia Beach and now the Outer Banks, Tex Mitchell (USA) reminded his opponents of his potential and boosted a straight air to set the tone in the Round of 96. Mitchell's early exit in Virginia Beach only fueled the young Californian toward his debut here at the WRV Outer Banks to match the day's best single-wave score of a 7.50.
"I was just trying to do turns and kept bogging so I was hoping I could get to that section and thankfully it gave me a little juice," said Mitchell. "I really like it here. There's a lot more scenery, cool vibes, good food, and the waves are super fun."
Cose Stoyanoff Stays Strong for East Coast Contingent
The East Coast's own Cose Stoyanoff put the field on early alert with a dynamic display of backhand surfing to accrue a 13.15 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Stoyanoff utilized his knowledge of this lineup, hailing from just up the highway in Virginia Beach and now looks for more against the top-seeded competitors.
"The pier bowl is so fun on my backhand and it feels good to see every wave I was doing better and better," said Stoyanoff. "I was stoked when I got here and saw there were waves. I'm stoked for the rest of the week. It looks like fun waves Saturday and Sunday so I'm looking forward to trying to make some heats to get there."
Also notching Round of 96 heat wins, Carl Burger, Kai Gale Grani, Giorgio Gomez, Jake Dodson, Makai Castle, Laird Lavik, Matton Bain, Sebastian Mendes, Eeli Timperi, Mason O'Toole, Logan Radd, Nicolás Epps, and Loyal Kenworthy all move into the Round of 64 with plenty of momentum.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT.
New Swell Elevates Performances to Determine Quarterfinalists at WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico
Andrew Nichols
An inbound swell provided a new stage for the World Surf League (WSL) WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, contenders to showcase an array of high-performance surfing. The top-seeded women competitors continued to make their Round of 32 debuts before action shifted to the men's Round of 64 where top seeds awaited their respective debuts before Round of 32 draws ensued. With the two-to-four foot wind swell pulsing throughout the day, competitors elevated the scale to set up all-important Quarterfinal bouts.
Caleb Crozier Cranks the Scale Toward Near-Perfection, Backs it Up in Round of 32
Amid the top seeds making their brilliant debuts, Caleb Crozier played an early spoiler in comeback fashion against former event victor Taro Watanabe, also advancing, while posting a near-perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10). Crozier's combination of a turn to a big air-reverse on his backhand pushed the scale after accruing a 6.60 on a single, backhand air earlier in the heat for a 16.10 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The Southern Californian kept his composure in a stout Round of 32 affair, advancing behind an in-form Carl Burger, and Crozier moved into the Quarterfinals after a four-year stint away from competition.
"I didn't think it was 9.50 but I was stoked on it, probably shouldn't have claimed it again (laughs)," said Crozier. "It's about head-high on the sets so I'm stoked. I showed up first heat and it was firing and I knew it was just going to be a surfing battle which is my favorite because you're just doing your surfing. It's been weird not doing competitions for four years and realizing how frantic I was back then versus now. I was comboed so just to be able to fight back, I'm just stoked."
Jake Davis Finds His Form, Battles Toward the Quarterfinals
After a hard-fought Round of 64 bout, Jake Davis regained his form in decimating form to blast an excellent 8.50 over fellow San Clemente standout Kei Kobayashi, former event victor Taro Watanabe, and Round of 64 threat Titus Santucci. Davis was able to find his scoring waves under priority, including his 8.50, and posted a 14.45 heat total with Kobayashi advancing behind him into the Quarterfinals.
"I woke up a little bit under the weather and just feeling weird, but I found a Starbucks and had a litte breakfast with my wife, laid down and I just felt totally back to normal," said Davis. "I got all my scores under priority and felt that the guys were a little off the bank and just went back to that zone every time. That 8.50 was super clean and just had a lot of speed, tagged it, and just buttoned it up on the end."
"I'm pretty much a full-time coach, that's my job and definitely want to be a pro surfer but you have to pay the bills," said Davis. "I know I can give back to the youth and I coached Jett Schilling to his World Junior title and an equal ninth at the US Open, and it's just fun to be with friends and see them succeed."
A marathon day witnessed brilliant performances from the likes of Kai Kushner, who posted the day's best heat total of a 16.15, William Hedleston's and Ryland Rubens' excellent 8.75, and more throughout the Round of 64.
Impressive showings from Carl Burger, Lucas Owston, Reed Platenius, Wheeler Hasburgh, Matton Bain, and San Clemente duo Cannon Carr, who posted a 15.25 and Taj Lindblad, posting an excellent 8.50, earned them crucial Round of 32 wins to storm their way into the Quarterfinals and a potential Finals Day.
Lanea Mons Lights Up Outer Banks Debut for Quarterfinal Appearance
Lanea Mons set a new standard for the women with the rise in swell and unleashed her signature forehand attack to post the first excellent score of the day, an 8.00, in the Round of 32, Heat 8. Mons' comfort in East Coast waters translated to a confident showing with a Round of 32 best, 15.00 heat total. Now, Mons looks to keep her pace toward back-to-back Finals at the WRV Outer Banks Pro.
"I'm super happy and the Outer Banks has a special place in my heart, I've been coming here since I was a kid," said Mons. "I'm just really happy I could get the ball rolling and keep it moving. It's like home to me getting to bring my family and my dog, I love the East Coast contests. There were some really sick lefts so I'm super stoked with that heat."
Vela Mattive Brings Her Progression, Pushes through Debut
Vela Mattive put on a display of forehand and backhand power to accrue a 13.50 heat total, including a 7.50 single-scoring wave, and moved straight into the Quarterfinals. Mattive narrowly missed out on the Final in Virginia Beach, but brought her bravado to the Outer Banks as she looks to close out the East Coast leg with a big result.
"That was such a fun heat, I'm super stoked to win it and stoked for tomorrow" said Mattive. "It's so good starting off the heat strong and building off those scores felt good. It's super important to finish strong and just having a good attitude no matter what the waves are and just making the most of it."
Also joining the Quarterfinal draw, Kylie Pulcini earned a clutch Round of 32 victory to start the day.
Day 3: Women Take Over in Debuts
The women stormed their debuts at the World Surf League (WSL) WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, with top-seeded competitors making their moves over early success stories. The Round of 36 and Round of 32 wrapped to set up all-important Quarterfinal bouts as the men's Round of 64 was called OFF for the day.
Eden Walla's Impressive Start Leads Women's First Bouts
Smaller conditions were no stress for an in-forn Eden Walla once she found her rhythm against recent Virginia Beach Pro winner Alana Lopez, who also advanced, Mya Kuzmovich, and Camden Hoover. Walla built her foundation early before posting an impressive 6.80 (out of a possible 10) on her forehand attack and added a 6.50 to accrue the day's best heat total of a 13.30 (out of a possible 20).
"It feels great to make my first heat and make it with a few scores," said Walla. "I wasn't super stoked with my result in Virginia Beach, but I'm just happy to have another chance a few days later. It's tough facing Alana [Lopez] and all those girls since they are really good surfers, but it always feels nice to get going with a heat win."
Zoey Kaina Brings Her Bravado to the Outer Banks
Emerging QS contender Zoey Kaina continues to put on great performances no matter the conditions and pushed her WRV Outer Banks Pro debut to a 13.10 heat total. Kaina's ability to push her forehand attack into sections keeps adding impressive scores to her resume, notching a 7.25 to take a win over Taylor Stacy, who also advanced, who posted the day's best single-scoring wave of a 7.75. Now, Kaina, 13, looks to add her name to another East Coast Final and earn a total of 1,800 points to finish the stint of events.
"It feels good to be back here and try to get some waves," said Kaina. "My strategy was to get a wave right off the start and then back it up quick. You have to be really wise when it comes to using priority in these types of waves. I want to thank my family and friends and sponsors for supporting me."
Defending Event Winner Sanoa Dempfle-Olin Back in Winning Form
Kicking off the Round of 32, defending event victor Sanoa Dempfle-Olin picked up where she left off with more success to send her straight to the Quarterfinals. Dempfle-Olin's incredible year already has one QS Final appearance, a qualification toward the 2024 World Junior Championships and a showing in Tahiti at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, she looks to secure her place toward the top of the rankings with a big result here in the Outer Banks.
"This was my first QS win here last year so there's a lot of good memories and the waves aren't as good as they were then, but it feels good to make that heat," said Dempfle-Olin. "It's nice to be back and hopefully get some more waves the next few days. Usually after an event you have some time so to have one a couple days after you get to stay in that focus zone and more opportunity so I like it a lot."
Big Round of 32 heat wins from Avery McDonald and Zoe Chait add their names to the Quarterfinal contenders with momentum in their corner.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. EDT for a possible 7:30 a.m. EDT.
Day 1: Early Event Standouts Emerge in OBX
The World Surf League (WSL) WRV Outer Banks Pro presented by Pacifico, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, powered through opening day action. Men's Round of 104 and 96 provided moments of magic with aerial antics and power surfing before the high tide overtook the swell, forcing event organizers to call competition off following the Round of 96. Now, the men's top-seeded Round of 64 is set as women await their debuts.
Caleb Crozier Takes Flight, Notches Round of 96 Debut Win
A clutch performance from Caleb Crozier took the Southern California competitor soaring into the Round of 64 with his last-second aerial antics. Crozier needed a 6.16 (out of a possible 10) as he took off for his last attempt, with the clock expiring after he was to his feet, and landed an air reverse to secure a 7.50 and heat win over an in-form Teo Grani, who also advanced.
"I was in shambles just thinking God give me one more wave and I'll do it," said Crozier. "I heard the countdown and thought I could two turns or just go and saw the section for an air. Went for it and thank God I landed it. To be able to build off confidence is a dream and I'm stoked to build the house from here. I was so bummed in my Virginia Beach heat just needing a wave after getting a good score so I'm stoked we have waves here, it's like a little Duranbah [Australia]."
Tex Mitchell Soars to Round of 64 with Early Success
Returning to the QS jersey in Virginia Beach and now the Outer Banks, Tex Mitchell (USA) reminded his opponents of his potential and boosted a straight air to set the tone in the Round of 96. Mitchell's early exit in Virginia Beach only fueled the young Californian toward his debut here at the WRV Outer Banks to match the day's best single-wave score of a 7.50.
"I was just trying to do turns and kept bogging so I was hoping I could get to that section and thankfully it gave me a little juice," said Mitchell. "I really like it here. There's a lot more scenery, cool vibes, good food, and the waves are super fun."
Cose Stoyanoff Stays Strong for East Coast Contingent
The East Coast's own Cose Stoyanoff put the field on early alert with a dynamic display of backhand surfing to accrue a 13.15 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Stoyanoff utilized his knowledge of this lineup, hailing from just up the highway in Virginia Beach and now looks for more against the top-seeded competitors.
"The pier bowl is so fun on my backhand and it feels good to see every wave I was doing better and better," said Stoyanoff. "I was stoked when I got here and saw there were waves. I'm stoked for the rest of the week. It looks like fun waves Saturday and Sunday so I'm looking forward to trying to make some heats to get there."
Also notching Round of 96 heat wins, Carl Burger, Kai Gale Grani, Giorgio Gomez, Jake Dodson, Makai Castle, Laird Lavik, Matton Bain, Sebastian Mendes, Eeli Timperi, Mason O'Toole, Logan Radd, Nicolás Epps, and Loyal Kenworthy all move into the Round of 64 with plenty of momentum.
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT.
Caleb Crozier
The Southern California competitor Caleb Crozier stomped an air-reverse in the dying seconds of his WRV Outer Banks Pro debut to soar into
Alan Cleland and Tommy Coleman remain to battle for the No. 3 spot on the North America rankings at the Live Like Zander Junior Pro.
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