Author: Nichols

Opening day action got underway at the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic Presented by Katin, a men's and women's World Surf League (WSL) Regional Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1,000-level event, in two-to-three-foot, storm driven surf for the region's elite longboard talents. Women's Round of 16 and men's Round of 32 unfolded with top seeds asserting themselves among the rising North America contingent. Current ranking leaders all advanced to push the battle for WSL Longboard Tour qualification foward with Jack Van Wagoner (USA) and Lia Diaz (CRC) remaining atop the rankings, but Tony Silvagni, Liv Stokes, Kaitlin Mikkelsen, Cole Robbins, and more continue to knock on the door.

Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. start.

Silvagni Strikes VB Magic, Idone Showcases Former Longboard Tour Wildcard Form

Silvagni all smiles after delivering the event's best performance so far. - WSL / Nichols

Defending Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic winner Tony Silvagni showed he's ready for back-to-back victories after an incredible Round of 32 debut. Silvagni's ability to navigate the lineup and find sections to showcase his world-class footwork and rail game earned a day's best 16.66 (out of a possible 20) heat total, including a best single-scoring wave of an excellent 8.83 (out of a possible 10). The East Coast's own, Silvagni, now looks to continue his dream start atop the podium once more for a chance to requalify for the WSL Longboard Tour.

"When I was walking out on the sand earlier I was just thinking that I've been competing here for 20 years. I have some of my absolutely most fond memories here," said Silvagni. "I love competing on the East Coast and alwasy try to shine just being from down the highway. This is what I surf a lot and I'm just so happy. My fiance and I are just keeping to the same program as last year, eating at the same spots, and just running it back. The caliber of these guys is so competitive, you have to bring your best. You won't be making heats down the line with mid-range scores and I'm ready to keep pushing my surfing all the way through."

But, the Top 3 ranked competitors all within striking distance pushed the standard with current No. 1 Jack Van Wagoner, reigning North America Longboard Regional victor Cole Robbins, and Kai McPhillips all advanced through to the Round of 16. Plus, an in-form Gavin Idone could play ultimate spoiler after a brilliant start to his Virginia Beach campaign, posting a 7.00 and 13.70 heat total. Now, the former Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic wildcard, Idone, looks for his maiden LQS win on his home coast.

Gavin Idone (USA) found his form right away for a Round of 32 heat win. - WSL / Nichols

Stokes and Martinez Establish Women's Scale Toward Quarterfinal Appearances

In 2023, Liv Stokes found her first LQS victory at the inaugural addition of the WSL to the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic. Stokes earned a spot on the WSL Longboard Tour and followed that with a wildcard in 2024. Now, the perennial qualification contender enters this event ranked No. 2 within striking distance of reliving her dream among the world's best longboarders, starting with an 11.90 heat total.

"I'm so excited to be back. This was my first WSL win and Virginia Beach will always have a special place in my heart," said Stokes. "I'm here with my best friend, and we have waves which I'm so excited about. It's so nice to have swell and something to work with, and it reminds me of a day back in Oceanside Harbor when it's a bit windy so I was comfortable out there. Qualifying has been on my mind all year. I was on Tour in 2023 and to have the opportunity to do that again, and show my students it's possible to pursue your passion is something I'd really like to do."

2023 event winner Liv Stokes (CAN) eyes another big result in Virginia Beach. - WSL / Nichols

Virginia Beach's own Story Martinez put on a show for her hometown support crew and earning a Round of 16 heat win. Last season, Martinez earned her first-ever LQS Final appearance in this event and nearly secured a maiden win. Now, the rising teenage talent, Martinez, looks for another chance to hoist the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic trophy alongside fellow local Camden Hoover, who also made her Round of 16 debut heat.

Plus, 2024/2025 North America Longboard Regional victor Malia Ilagan and World Longboard Tour veteran Kaitlin Mikkelsen also earned Round of 16 debut heat wins.

Virginia Beach's own Story Martinez (USA) surges into Quarterfinals. - WSL / Nichols

This event is proudly sponsored by Coastal Edge, Katin, and the City of Virginia Beach.