Globally renowned surf contest, Stab High Presented by Monster Energy, is coming to the birthplace of East Coast surfing next month, taking place Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, at Atlantic Park Surf, North America’s first Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon. Tickets are now available HERE.
The premier invitation-only aerial surfing contest hosted by Stab and presented by Monster Energy will bring together some of the world’s best aerial surfers for two days of surfing, music and connection in the festival atmosphere for which Stab High has long been known.
The Virginia Beach edition marks Stab High’s return to the U.S. after a six-year hiatus. Previous events have been held in Waco, Texas, Shizunami, Japan, and Sydney, Australia.
“With its state-of-the-art, arena-like environment, Atlantic Park Surf provides an ideal setting for watching the world’s best aerial surfers compete and take the sport to new heights,” said Nate Stevens, General Manager at Atlantic Park Surf. “Collaborating with Wavegarden and Stab, our team is developing a custom air wave specifically for Stab High, and we are excited to showcase these incredible waves–and athletes–on a global stage.”
This year’s event will feature 56 surfers across four divisions: Pro Men’s, Vans Pro Women’s, Vans Ladybirds (15-and-under girls) and Bottle Rockets, presented by YETI (15-and-under boys). Each surfer will get multiple chances to land their best air, with each division boiling down to a four-person final judged by some of surfing’s most iconic characters. The competition’s coveted “Monster Air” award will be given to the surfer who performs the most impactful air of the event, regardless of division.
Often seen as a launching pad for the next generation of aerial surfers, Stab High’s the Ladybirds and Bottle Rockets divisions have progressed young men’s and women’s aerial surfing. Aligned with this mission, Atlantic Park Surf offers a world-class, controlled-wave environment that pushes progression and levels the playing field for young surfers.
“Atlantic Park Surf is an incredible facility, and we’re excited to see Stab High back in the U.S.,” said Aaron Carrera, Stab’s General Manager. “With the help of our partners–Monster, Vans, YETI, Quiksilver, Sun Bum and Kona Big Wave–we’re able to invite some of the biggest names in surfing, along with tomorrow’s next heroes.”
Participating surfers include Virginia Beach’s very own Blayr Barton and Story Martinez; two-time Olympic medalist Gold Medalist Sky Brown; South African professional surfer Mikey February; and professional skateboarder Curren Caples. World-renowned aerialist Nathan Fletcher will serve as one of the judges.
Since opening in August, Atlantic Park Surf has already welcomed thousands of surfers from around the world–representing all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries, including Australia, China, France, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the UAE.
Stab High Virginia Beach is presented by Monster Energy. Additional sponsors include Vans, YETI, Quiksilver, Sun Bum, and Kona Big Wave.
Tickets are now available at atlanticparksurf.com. The competition will also be broadcast worldwide on Stabmag.com and the Stab Premium App. Learn more at stabmag.com/stab-high.
About Atlantic Park
Atlantic Park is a first-of-its-kind indoor/outdoor experience, offering more than 10.2 acres of surfing, shopping, working, live entertainment and boutique surf lodging in the heart of the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Centrally located and integrated within an urban environment adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic Park Surf is unlike any other surf park in the world and is the first Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon in North America. Stewarded by Virginia Beach native and global superstar Pharrell Williams, Atlantic Park harnesses the energy of the city’s potential, distinct culture and legacy as the birthplace of East Coast surfing. Learn more at atlanticparksurf.com or follow @atlanticparksurf.
About Stab High
Stab High is the world’s most extraordinary surf contest. It’s held in a wave pool, and it’s all about airs. The format eliminates awkward waiting periods, extended lulls and safety surfing. Instead, it’s just two days of surfing’s least risk-averse individuals going as large as they can, on demand. The event hosts an atmosphere that more closely resembles a music festival than a sporting event. Despite it feeling far from a traditional surf comp, Stab High still sets the benchmark in competitive aerial surfing. Learn more at stabmag.com/stab-high/, or follow @stab_high.
