Waves and Words

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.

Author: WSL

Current No. 1's Van Wagoner and Diaz Look to Stay Atop Rankings, Plus Local Contenders, Heavyweight Field In Attendance to Vie for Regional Title, First Call, Saturday, May 23 at 7:30 a.m. EDT

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., USA (Friday, May 22, 2026) - 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, window opens tomorrow, May 23 through May 25 with North America's premier longboard talents in attendance. This marks the second and final stop of the 2025/2026 season to determine who qualifies for the 2026 WSL Longboard Tour, with recent Tour competitors and icons looking to find their way alongside those eyeing a rookie season. Virginia Beach's famed 1st Street Jetty will host the final showdown with local contenders ready to match up with some of the region's best.

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

Current No. 1's Van Wagoner and Diaz Look to Stay Atop Rankings

Following the Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic, Jack Van Wagoner (USA) and Lia Diaz(CRC) lead the rankings heading into Virginia Beach. For Van Wagoner, it marked his second-career win on the LQS as he looks to requalify for the world's best after competing on the World Longboard Tour in 2024 and earning the Lexus US Open of Surfing wildcard in 2025 to remind the world of his class.

"VB is always a great event. I've had such a great time going out there. Sometimes the waves are small, but I've been out there when it's good, and hopefully we see some good waves this weekend," said Van Wagoner. "It'd be nice to let the surfing do the talking. It's super nice to have these two events now, one on the West Coast and one on the East Coast, so I'm really looking forward to it. I'm looking to hopefully get a win this weekend. I haven't gotten past a third there, so I'm hoping to do better and hopefully get a rematch against the boys. Anybody could easily take out the win, and we're all pushing each other, and we're all good enough to be on Tour, but this year I'm hoping I'm the one."

Van Wagoner will look to fend off the likes of back-to-back Finalists Cole Robbins (USA), Tony Silvagni(USA), and Kai McPhillips(USA) after their brilliant runs in Virginia Beach last year, and in Pismo to start the season.

An incredible moment for Costa Rica's Lia Diaz CRC) marked her first-ever LQS victory in her second WSL event. Diaz's poise and grace in the fun, yet chilling Pismo Beach conditions showed the region's best she had arrived to vie for a spot onto the WSL Longboard Tour. Now, the 21-year-old looks for more success and to hold her place as No. 1 to do just that, and join the world's best longboarders in pursuit of a World Longboard Title.

"[Winning in Pismo] was crazy. I had been getting a lot of seconds [in other events], and I knew my moment was going to come. And that win couldn't have come at a better time," said Diaz. "It was my second LQS ever and I was just so stoked. It'll be my first time going to the East Coast, and I've heard the waves can be tricky, but I'm really excited. I've been surfing some small waves to get ready before Pavones was going absolutely insane. But, where I live in Tamarindo, I was surfing some smaller waves and I've heard when Virginia Beach gets good it can get really fun."

"Qualifying for the WSL Longboard Tour is exciting and I've just been training harder, and it's something I've been the most focused on," added Diaz. "It's a little bit nerve-racking, but I saw Gabriela Bryan's interview and that the World Title race is not for hers to lose, but for her to win. So, that illuminated me and I'm leading the rankings, and I'm going there to win, not to lose it."

Local Contenders, Heavyweight Field In Attendance to Vie for Regional Title

After winning this event in 2025, Tony Silvagni (USA) showed he still had what it takes to earn wins against stacked fields and returned to the WSL Longboard Tour. But, a hard-fought season witnessed the Longboard Tour veteran fall back as he looks to requalify through the region, despite a Quarterfinal finish at the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic. Now, one of the most committed competitors, Silvagni, looks to bounce back and find his way back to the world's best for 2026/2027.

"I'm definitely hungrier than ever, and I want to have a big result at this event. And, coming in as the defending champ, makes me that much more eager to win," said Silvagni. "I want to get back on the World Longboard Tour, and with the qualification process I'm going to have to win this event. Just missing out in the Philippines by one spot hurt, but I was able to make it special with my engagement there so it all worked out. Virginia Beach has been a place that I've competed in for quite some time, and I'm quite comfortable there. I've been putting myself in tough conditions to prepare, and I actually enjoy that, and enjoy Virginia Beach every time I go."

A brilliant run for Virginia Beach's own Camden Hoover (USA) ended with a spot in the 2025 Finals. - WSL / Andrew Nichols

Plus, fellow defending event victor, Cash Hoover(USA), is back to play spoiler for the region's finest after her incredible win at the La Union International Pro, where she automatically qualified for the 2026/2027 WSL Longboard Tour. Now, one the sport's rising stars is back in Virginia Beach to keep her blades sharp and get more time in jersey among North America's top-tier talent pool that includes local contenders, and fellow Finalists in 2025, Camden Hoover (USA) and Story Martinez (USA), 2023 event winner Liv Stokes (USA), and WSL Longboard Tour requalification hopefuls Mia Ilagan (ASM), and Longboard Tour veteran Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA). Now, Virginia Beach's own Camden Hoover looks for another Final in front of her hometown crowd.

"Making the Final last year was such a dream because it was my first LQS Final. To have it at home with all my friends and family around made it 1,000 times better," said Hoover. "I was honestly so stoked the whole day that I didn't care what happened. I've been competing at the Steel Pier Classic since I was four or five years old, and watching it grow from being ran by the Knight family to where it is now is so amazing. It was always lovely to have such incredible longboard talent come to my hometown, and I would meet the pros and just be in awe. Now that I'm older, I've developed friendships with them and had the pleasure of surfing with them. The event providing those opportunities has been a highlight of my surfing."

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

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