Virginia Beach’s Atlantic Park Surf transformed into a hub for the nation’s best young surfers as the Rip Curl GromSearch National Final took center stage, drawing 64 top athletes under 16 from across North America and putting the city in the surfing spotlight.
Key Takeaways
- 64 elite youth surfers competed at the first Wave Garden Cove Surf Lagoon in North America.
- The event is expected to boost local tourism and the economy in Virginia Beach.
- Winners will advance to represent North America at the international finals in France.
Wave of Innovation: Surfing’s New Playground
Atlantic Park Surf’s new Wave Garden Cove Surf Lagoon provided young competitors with consistent, engineered waves, a far cry from the unpredictable ocean. This allowed every surfer—whether from Hawaii, California, or beyond—to perform at their highest level in a stadium-like atmosphere. The venue’s ability to offer reliable waves has drawn attention from across the country, enhancing Virginia Beach’s reputation as a burgeoning year-round surf destination.
Virginia Beach Rides the Tourism Tide
Hosting the national final brought an influx of out-of-town visitors, translating to increased bookings for local hotels, restaurants, and surf shops near the Oceanfront. The event’s impact stretched beyond surfing, offering a significant boost to the city’s broader hospitality and retail sectors. Organizers and local businesses described it as a win-win, strengthening the partnerships between national surf brands and the local community.
Surfers’ Reflections: First-Timers and Favorites
For many young athletes, this was their inaugural visit to Virginia Beach—and their first encounter with a surf lagoon. Surfers like 16-year-old Merrick Muscatel from Hawaii and 12-year-old Teagan Sandvig from California marveled at the chance to adapt to artificial waves, while peers enjoyed refining their skills in a consistent setting. The atmosphere was marked by camaraderie and excitement as competitors seized the opportunity to challenge themselves and enjoy their sport on a new stage.
Looking to the Future
With the success of the GromSearch National Final, Virginia Beach’s position on the national and international surf map grows stronger. Organizers anticipate even larger events in the years to come, seeing this as just the beginning of a wave of economic and cultural growth linked to surf tourism.
As this weekend wraps up, both the local community and visiting families are left with high hopes and stoke-filled memories, expected to ripple over into bigger events—and waves—in the years ahead.
Sources
- Atlantic Park Surf hosts Rip Curl GromSearch National Final, drawing young talent and tourism to Virginia
Beach, 13newsnow.com. - Surf’s up in Virginia Beach this weekend as youth surfers compete, 13newsnow.com.
