Waves and Words — steel pier classic

Ilagan Earns Fourth LQS Win In Dominant Form, First Steel Pier Classic Win, Silvagni Goes Back-to-Back, Plays Ultimate Spoiler In North America Finale, Plus Van Wagoner and Diaz Claim 2025/2026 North America Longboard Regional Victories

Author: Nichols

An all-important Finals Day is set 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. Some of the best conditions Virginia Beach can provide were delivered with two-to-three-foot, clean and lined up waves for the region's best to put on a showcase of footwork and style. Men's Round of 16 shifted toward head-to-head women's Quarterfinals, and men's Quarterfinals to set up a massive conclusion. Defending event winner Tony Silvagni, current No. 1 Jack Van Wagoner, reigning regional victors Cole Robbins (USA) and Malia Ilagan, Virginia Beach's own Story Martinez, and current No. 2 Liv Stokesjoin a stacked Finals Day list.

Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. start.Martinez delivered the women's best performance of Day 2 in the Quarterfinals. - WSL / O'Donnell

Martinez Dismantles No. 1, Ilagan Continues Playing Disrupter in Virginia Beach

An incredible showing from Virginia Beach's own Story Martinez provided the upset of the event so far. A back-and-forth battle between current No. 1 Lia Diaz and Martinez provided fireworks as Diaz's 7.17 (out of a possible 10) gave her a slight advantage before Martinez locked into a gem at her home break and posted a 7.50 to overtake the lead. Quickly backing it up, Martinez earned a 5.90 to push Diaz's requirement up as the Costa Rican fell shy of the score on her final attempts. Now, Martinez and current No. 2 Liv Stokes remain in the hunt for the North America Regional Longboard title.

"It's amazing to have a chance at the regional title. Especially being in my hometown, it just feels so great," said Martinez. "I knew what I needed to. Just be on the best waves and perform on them. I'm so happy and ready for Finals Day. Lia [Diaz] is such a good surfer and knew that would be a really tough one, and it felt nice to get another win against her after she got me in Pismo."

Malia Ilagan (ASM) looks for a fourth LQS victory heading into Finals Day. - WSL / Nichols

2025/2026 North America Longboard Regional victor Malia Ilagan bested fellow former WSL Longboard Tour competitor Maria Fernanda Reyes. After a tough result in Pismo Beach, Ilagan fell out of contention for defending her regional victory, but still showed she's one of the region's best with an impressive win over Reyes as she posted a 12.27 (out of a possible 20) heat total.

"It's incredible to see waves like this in Virginia Beach. This is the best we've ever gotten in the four years of competing at this event," said Ilagan. "There were plenty on offer, especially with the head-to-head heats, it's way less aggressive out there (laughs). The last time we got to do head-to-head it was small and slow, so whoever got the wave got the scores. So this year to have consistent waves where we'll get to surf it out is amazing even though I'm not in the running for the regional title this year."

Robbins and Van Wagoner Remain Atop Leaderboard, Silvagni Ready to Spoil Regional Race

Reigning North America Longboard Regional victor Cole Robbins (USA) can defend his title on Finals Day. - WSL / Nichols

It all comes down to Finals Day for both the men and women after blistering performances from the men's rankings leaders looking to earn their place onto the WSL Longboard Tour. Cole Robbins kicked the Round of 16 into high gear with a dominant 15.17 heat total alongside fellow Top 4 Kai McPhillips, also advancing. Then, Robbins maintained that rhythm to keep the pace with No. 1 Jack Van Wagoner (USA) into the Semifinals after besting the East Coast's standout Tommy Coleman.

"My relationship with Finals Day is one I want to keep going (laughs). It feels great to make another Semifinal and get to battle with these guys when the level is so high," said Robbins. "It's funny because for me, I felt like I was scrambling a bit with all the good waves coming in. This is the best Virginia Beach I've ever surfed. I'm really excited for a head-to-head with Kai. I've known him since he was a baby, surfing against his father, and it's amazing to see how far he's come as such an incredible surfer. You really have to bring your A-game every heat at these events."

Tony Silvagni (USA) isn't going down without a fight heading into the Semifinals - WSL / Nichols

Following Van Wagoner's Quarterfinal win, Silvagni is sidelined in the North America Longboard Regional title hunt, but remains an extreme threat for his event title defense. Silvagni's event-best performance was eclipsed in his Quarterfinal bout against wildcard standout Saxon Wilsonwith an 18.67 heat total. Silvagni's world-class potential was tested by Wilson, but the Longboard Tour veteran, Silvagni, rose to the occasion with an excellent 8.00 despite Wilson's impressive 7.33 surge.

Then, Silvagni shut the door on Wilson with an immaculate 9.00 after a lengthy nose ride and footwork that led to an end section slam before ending the heat with a 9.67. Now, the showdown for the 2025/2026 regional victory heads into the Semifinals after wins from McPhillips and Van Wagoner to set up an iconic Finals Day draw.

"I knew that was going to be a tough heat coming up against Saxon. He's such a good surfer, and he's beaten me a few times, but my new board, 'The One' model, is amazing in these waves, so I'm stoked," said Silvagni. "The last few heats have been a good statement. I've been putting a lot of effort into my strength and conditioning to become stronger and have more stamina. I feel like that's what has been lacking in my competitive surfing, so I'm stoked to see it all paying off."

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

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.

The 22nd annual Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic presented by Katin has come to a thrilling close—and what a weekend it was! Hosted Memorial Day weekend at the Virginia Beach Ocean Front 1st Street Jetty. The event showcased top-tier surf, youthful energy, and community spirit infused with Coastal Edge’s hallmark style and support.

 Key Highlights

• • Tony Silvagni snagged a WSL, securing the Open Men’s Longboard title  .

  • Cash Hoover secured her very first Longboard QS win in the Women’s division—her impressive ride over the weekend pushed her to 2nd in North America rankings  .

• Youth Showcase & Community

  Exciting matchups in the Boys 14–17 Longboard division kept fans on the edge of their seats  . Meanwhile, Instagram reels captured touching medal award moments for kids—reminding us how the Sport’s future is shining bright  .

  Special thanks to sponsors—Katin, Three Ships Coffee, Egg Bistro, Chico’s Pizza, Surf Dreams Foundation, resort management, and the City of Virginia Beach, —for making it all happen  .

 Must-Watch: Finals Day Highlights

 Thank You & See You Next Year!

Huge thanks to every surfer, volunteer, spectator, and sponsor who helped make the 22nd annual Steel Pier Classic a massive success. From seasoned pros to rising groms, everyone brought their A-game—and Virginia Beach showed once again why it’s the perfect coastal community for waves, passion, and connection.

Mark your calendars for Memorial Day weekend 2026! We’ll be back stronger with more surf, more fun, and unrivaled beachside vibes. Stay tuned to Coastal Edge social channels and our website for updates, registration info, and behind‑the‑scenes sneak peeks.

Just in case you missed the event, the 22nd Annual Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic presented by Katin official merchandise is available in store and online... but not for long!

– The Coastal Edge Team

Where It All Comes Together: Fashion, Art & Music, Action Sports, and Sustainability

Every Memorial Day weekend, the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic Presented by Katin brings our community together in the most beautiful way. Now entering its 22nd year, this event is more than a surf contest—it’s a celebration of creativity, talent, and the passions that make Coastal Edge who we are.

One of the most meaningful parts of the weekend is the Coastal Edge Student Art Pavilion, a space where young artists from local high schools and middle schools get to shine. For many of them, this is their first time showcasing their work publicly—first time selling their art, and we’re honored to help create that moment.

Through the Student Art Pavilion, we give students the chance to display and sell their artwork free of charge. They are not only sharing their creativity—they’re stepping into the world of art with confidence, learning how to present their work, connect with an audience, and believe in their own voice.

The Vans Custom Culture Student Art Expo:

Thanks to our amazing partners at Vans, students can take part in the Vans Custom Culture Student Art Expo, where blank Vans shoes become one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Whether it’s paint, Sharpie, fabric, or even papier maché, students bring wild ideas to life—and the results are nothing short of magical. These shoes are part of a juried contest, with winning entries becoming part of a traveling art exhibit that’s displayed in Coastal Edge stores, at the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships, and more throughout the year.

We’re incredibly grateful to Vans for continuing to support young artists and providing such a creative and powerful platform for self-expression.

The Eastern Skate Supply Skate Deck Contest:

The creativity doesn’t stop there. Students can also design their own skateboards in the Eastern Skate Supply Skate Deck Contest, transforming skate decks into bold, personal statements. Like the Vans shoes, these pieces are judged, awarded, and showcased in the traveling art exhibit—giving students a moment of real recognition and inspiration.

A huge thank you to our friends at Eastern Skate Supply for their unwavering support and for giving these young artists a unique, exciting canvas to work on. Their continued partnership helps elevate this experience into something unforgettable for every student who participates.

Perhaps the most powerful part of the Student Art Pavilion is the way it helps these young artists take their very first steps as professionals. They get to sell their work to the public and experience the joy (and courage) of putting themselves out there. We’re right there to guide them, support them, and celebrate them every step of the way.

It’s moments like these—where students light up with pride, where families gather around a tent of handmade art, where a simple shoe or skateboard becomes a voice—that remind us why we do what we do. This event brings all our pillars—fashion, art & music, action sports, and sustainability—into one vibrant, meaningful experience.

We are so excited for the 22nd Annual Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic presented by Katin, happening May 24th to May 26th, 2025. We cannot wait to see what this year’s talented group of students has in store. It’s going to be something truly special.

And to the incredible teachers who guide, inspire, and support these young artists every day—thank you. This event wouldn’t be possible without your passion and dedication.

And finally, a heartfelt thank you to Katin for helping make this incredible event possible year after year.