by Sue Giustino
Chase Lieder (pictured on our cover this month) and Chloe Coleman each placed First in their last qualifying competition in the Virginia Beach Costal Edge Steel Pier Classic. Now they are setting their sights are on the World Longboard Tournament.
Chase’s win put him in a tie for First in the men’s North America division. Chase explained that they had to go back to the Heats and he was just edged out, 7 to 6, giving the only spot to the other competitor. However, he’s waiting on a final decision which hopefully, will get him in with a wildcard position. A 3rd generation Montauk surfer, Chase has been surfing his whole life. We had him on the cover of the October 2015 issue of The Montauk Sun after taking 1st place in an MTK short board competition.
Chloe’s First Place win qualified her to take the slot for the women in the North America division for the upcoming World Longboard Tournament. This will be her first time on the tour which begins in July and ends in October. Chloe has been surfing her whole life, and only began competing in the Long Board division four or five years. She told me that she’s super grateful to the Montauk Community for their support through it all.
The World’s begin in Bells Beach Australia with the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic -July 18th through the 21st. From there they go to Huntington Beach, a third undecided location, and finish in El Salvador. A good standing in this year’s tournament will guarantee them a spot for next season.
‘The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.’ [https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2024/lt/253/bioglan-bells-beach-longboard-classic/main]
Congratulations to both our local surfers. Chase and Chloe, we look forward to following your continued successes.
