VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — We all know "Virginia Is for Lovers," but did you know Virginia is also for surfers? A Virginia Beach author and former surf champion has penned a new book that highlights Virginia Beach's vibrant surf culture.
Virginia Beach native Jason Borte started surfing when he was 12.
"It's been my life basically since I followed my brother down to the beach, jumped in and discovered this amazing surf culture — the most fun thing in the world," Borte said.
A First Colonial High School graduate, he turned pro at 18 and won several championships, including the East Coast Pro championship in 1997.
These days he's busier than ever as a surf instructor at Atlantic Wave Park and as an author.
He recently published "Virginia Is for Surfers," celebrating Virginia Beach surf culture. And even though Virginia Beach isn't known for big waves, it is known for great surfers.
"It's kind of known as the surfing hub on the East Coast," Borte said. "There's a huge surf industry here. With our population and the military presence, a lot of people surf, and we make do with the conditions we have."
Many of those featured in the book dropped by the launch party, including legendary pro surfer Wes Laine. When I was growing up in Virginia Beach, everyone knew his name.
"He was at the height of his career when I was just starting, and it trickled down to all the people who followed in his footsteps," said Borte.
"When we were young surfers, there was no surf forecasting — you didn't have Surfline, you didn't have live cameras," Laine said.
No live cameras and many days no waves.
But that has changed with Atlantic Wave Park.
"This is a perfect example of a game-changer in the sport of surfing, where you've got a perfect wave that's accessible any time, every day of the year," said Laine.
Whether you surf or not, many are "stoked" to see a book about the local surf community. Its author, Jason Borte, is 'Positively Hampton Roads.'
