Diaz and Van Wagoner Crowned Champions at Stormy Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic

The 2025 Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic, a World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) 1,000 event, concluded in Pismo Beach, California, with Lia Diaz and Jack Van Wagoner emerging victorious amidst challenging, stormy conditions. The event marked the start of the 2025/2026 North America Longboard Qualifying Series season, drawing top longboard talent.

Key Takeaways

• Lia Diaz (CRC) secured her first WSL victory, while Jack Van Wagoner (USA) claimed his second Surfing For Hope title.
• The competition window ran from November 14-16, with opening day experiencing a lay day due to eight-foot swells.
• The event supports the Surfing For Hope Foundation’s fight against cancer.

A Challenging Start and a Strong Finish

Opening day of the Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic on Friday, November 14, was called off due to eight-foot swells and stormy conditions deemed incontestable. Event organizers rescheduled the competition, and by Saturday, November 15, the waves were deemed surfable, allowing the North America’s premier longboard talents to showcase their skills.

Champions Emerge in Difficult Conditions

On Sunday, November 16, Lia Diaz (CRC) delivered an impeccable performance to secure her maiden WSL victory. Despite the challenging, cold conditions and surfing in a wetsuit, Diaz adapted well, posting an excellent 8.17 and a heat total of 15.10 in her Round of 32 debut. She navigated through tough heats, ultimately winning the final with a 7.50.

Jack Van Wagoner (USA) continued his impressive resume with his second career WSL victory and second Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic win. After a dominant run through Finals Day, including an event-best heat total of 15.84 in his semifinal, Van Wagoner posted an 8.00 and a 6.50 in the final to secure the win. He expressed his desire to requalify for the Longboard Tour and compete for a World Longboard Title.

Runner-Up Performances and Qualification Hopes

Liv Stokes (CAN) and Cole Robbins (USA) earned crucial runner-up finishes, bolstering their requalification hopes for the 2026 WSL Longboard Tour. Stokes, a full-time teacher, showcased her comfort in Pismo Beach’s conditions, while Robbins, a WSL Longboard Tour veteran, demonstrated strong performances throughout the event, aiming to solidify his spot among the world’s best.

Supporting a Cause

The Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic, now in its fourth year, not only serves as a crucial event for WSL Longboard Qualifying Series points but also champions the Surfing For Hope Foundation’s mission to support cancer patients and their families. The event highlights the foundation’s work in using surfing and ocean life to ease the challenges of cancer.

Sources

• Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic Called OFF for the Day, World Surf League.
• Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic 2025, World Surf League.
• Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic Provides WSL North America Longboard Season Start, World Surf League.
• Lia Diaz and Jack Van Wagoner Win 2025 Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic, World Surf League.
• Opening Day Stage Set at Surfing For Hope Longboard Classic, World Surf League.