Surfers hit Wrightsville Beach for weekend tournament

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — What do California, South Carolina, New Jersey and Florida all have in common? They’re missing some of their best pro surfers this weekend as contestants from those states are ripping the waves right here in our area.

People may not think Wilmington is the best surf spot on the East Coast, but the Reef/Sweetwater Surf Fest has the best prize, but perfect weather doesn’t always mean perfect waves.

“It was really fun this morning, but now it’s kinda getting high tide and mushy,” surfer Michael Ferguson said. “It’s like pushing over instead of dumping.”

Some surfers say they prefer ripping the waves in Wrightsville Beach compared to other southern states’ waters.

“It’s not as good in Myrtle Beach or in South Carolina,” surfer Tyler Rogers said. “It’s always better up here. This is more out in the water and the swell gets in, and it’s better. You get more of it.”

The 6th Annual East Coast Reef/Sweetwater Professional and Amateur Surf Fest is a three-day dip that brings some of the best of the best. Surfers are competing for a $20,000 grand prize. Even families from New Jersey made a trip down south for the event.

“I love it,” spectator Judy Pizzichillo said. “I love to see action and I like to be around the in-crowd. I’m not that old yet.”

Ninety-six professional surfers from around the world will hit the beach to surf in the three-day event. Contestants have to advance in their individual heat if they want to surf on Saturday or Sunday.