Encinitas local Ella McCaffray has claimed the No. 1 spot in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series standings following a dominant East Coast performance. The 22-year-old surfer secured a significant victory at the Virginia Beach Pro and a strong third-place finish at the WRV Outer Banks Pro, solidifying her position as a rising star in competitive surfing.
Key Takeaways
- Ella McCaffray now leads the WSL Qualifying Series standings.
- She won the Virginia Beach Pro and placed third at the WRV Outer Banks Pro.
- McCaffray will represent the USA at the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games.
East Coast Triumph
McCaffray’s recent success on the East Coast has propelled her to the pinnacle of the WSL Qualifying Series. Her victory at the Virginia Beach Pro on August 24 marked her third career win and first on the East Coast. This was followed by a commendable third-place finish at the WRV Outer Banks Pro a week later. These results have placed her at the top of the season rankings, a testament to her consistent performance, having only finished outside the top three once this season.
Road to the Championship Tour
The Qualifying Series serves as a crucial pathway to the elite Championship Tour, with the top seven women advancing to the Challenger Series. McCaffray’s current standing puts her in a strong position to achieve this goal. Her journey this season began with a second-place finish at the Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro, demonstrating her competitive drive from the outset.
Global Experience and Community Support
Beyond her competitive schedule, McCaffray has been actively broadening her surfing repertoire by traveling and experiencing diverse wave conditions. Following her second-place finish at the Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro, she spent two weeks surfing in Indonesia, an experience she described as a "huge confidence booster." This global exposure, while different from the East Coast conditions, emphasizes her dedication to continuous improvement. McCaffray noted that "time in the water is time in the water and I feel like just putting in time always helps."
The challenging conditions faced during the East Coast events, including winds from Hurricane Erin in Virginia Beach and flat spells in the Outer Banks, highlighted McCaffray’s adaptability. She also emphasized the importance of her support system, including her brother Cole, who achieved his best Qualifying Series result in Virginia Beach, and a close-knit group of friends who provided encouragement throughout the competitions.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, McCaffray is set to represent the United States as part of the six-person, co-ed team at the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador from September 5 to 14. She expressed excitement about competing on a global scale with a team of familiar faces, anticipating a positive experience with favorable wave forecasts.
Sources
- Encinitas surfer McCaffray tops WSL Qualifying Series standings, The Coast News.
- Encinitas surfer wins big on East Coast, earns top WSL Qualifying Series ranking – San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune.
