VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The longest-running surfing competition in the world is underway at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
The East Coast Surfing Championships is a big economic driver for the city, drawing thousands of people to the beach for the week-long event.
Wednesday, the tents went up on the boardwalk for the dozens of vendors that’ll be ready to sell their goods starting Thursday.
This year is the 60th anniversary of the ECSC.
The event attracts surfers from all over the world and from right here in Hampton Roads.
That includes Virginia Beach native Avery Mattison, 13, who’s hoping to compete next year.
“I love surfing with all my heart,” Mattison said. “I have been seeing some amazing surfers out there. They’re doing all these cool tricks, riding these long waves. They have these cool rash guards on for an organization. It’s super cool.”
Organizers are expecting even bigger crowds this year with the addition of a star-studded lineup of bands.
Several musicians known world-wide will be taking the stage on 4th Street, including Third Eye Blind and superstar Ava Max, who grew up in Virginia Beach.
Ashley Albert, who works a few blocks over at Ocean Eddie’s is planning on seeing some of the bands.
“They have newer artists, like Yung Gravy and also older artists,” said
ECSC Co-Chairman Tony Pellino said $750,000 from the city’s budget is going toward the event to pay for the bands, staff and set up.
The hope is to attract more people to the resort city.
“When they come, they have to stay at hotels; they have to eat at our fine restaurants. They shop at our shops,” Pellino said. “They spend a lot of money to come here.”
According to Virginia Beach city officials, in 2018, the surfing championships brought in an estimated $26 million in revenue from hotels, food and entertainment. That’s more money than any other event in the city that year.
2018 is the most recent analysis the city has done.
Businesses like Ocean Eddie’s Seafood on Atlantic Avenue are hoping to bank on the extra foot traffic.
“On a typical day like this we’d probably make average but compared to a bigger event we’d make double the amount,” said Tiffani Escoba, a server at Ocean Eddie’s.
The concerts kick off Thursday and end this Sunday, the last day of the event. Tickets are still on sale, and a portion of the money made goes right back into the city.
Extra police will be on hand patrolling the area.
The ECSC kicked off on Sunday, August 21, and will run through this Sunday, August 28.
