August 31, 2025

Encinitas Surfers Excel in Recent Competitions

News Summary

Ella McCaffray and Levi Slawson, two local surfers from Encinitas, excelled in major competitions, showcasing their talent as the city reviews surf school permitting to address community concerns. McCaffray won the 2025 Virginia Beach Pro, while Slawson triumphed at the US Open of Surfing, raising discussions on parking and beach overcrowding. As the local surfing scene evolves, the city seeks to balance community needs with the thriving surf culture.

Encinitas Surfers Shine in Recent Competitions Amid City Reevaluation of Surf School Permitting

Encinitas, CA – Local surfers Ella McCaffray and Levi Slawson have achieved significant milestones in their surfing careers, demonstrating outstanding performances in recent competitions, while the city is simultaneously reevaluating its surf school permitting process in response to community concerns.

On August 23, Ella McCaffray clinched victory at the 2025 Virginia Beach Pro, a prestigious event in the World Surf League’s Qualifying Series. This win marks her third career triumph and her first competitive win on the East Coast. McCaffray’s strong showing has propelled her to the top of the season rankings, exemplifying her talent and determination as she continues her quest to advance further in the surfing world. At just 22 years old, she is strategically positioned for her upcoming competition at the Outer Banks Pro in Nags Head, North Carolina. McCaffray expressed her satisfaction with the consistent wave conditions during her most recent event, reflecting her dedication to the sport as she navigates her sixth year on the Qualifying Series, which began with a solid runner-up finish at the Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro in Huntington Beach.

Another remarkable achievement came from fellow Encinitas surfer Levi Slawson, who emerged victorious at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. This accomplishment represents the biggest win of his career, resulting in a substantial prize of $20,000 for the men’s competition. Slawson’s effective strategy during the contest allowed him to leapfrog from 48th to 4th place in the rankings. Facing tough competition, including a close finish against Brazilian competitor Mateus Herdy, Slawson’s focused approach in selecting the best waves proved crucial to his success. He has described this achievement as a dream realized, a testament to the commitment he has made to his craft.

While the surfing community celebrates the successes of McCaffray and Slawson, the city of Encinitas is grappling with issues related to surf schools that have led to rising complaints about limited parking availability and beach overcrowding. The Parks & Recreation Commission has commenced discussions about the existing permit process for surf schools, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for September 16. As part of this deliberation, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director Dave Knopp highlighted the need to update city codes to better reflect current usage trends at the beach.

Concerns regarding liability at specific surf class locations have also emerged, prompting Fire Chief Josh Gordon to emphasize the importance of reevaluating the current permits. Encinitas has maintained a permit system for surf schools since 2009, with nine registered permit holders this summer. These commercial surf schools contribute to the city’s finances by paying a fee of $5 per student per day for beach permits, generating yearly revenue between $23,000 and $41,000.

However, the proposed changes to the permit system have raised concerns among established surf school operators, who fear increased competition and the potential complications associated with periodic reapplication. As the city navigates this complex issue, it aims to balance community needs with the thriving surf culture that defines Encinitas.

The developments in both competitive surfing and city regulations underscore the dynamic relationship between local athletes’ achievements and the surrounding environment. As McCaffray and Slawson continue to make waves in their sport, the city’s approach to managing surfing activities remains crucial for maintaining the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

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Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg

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