Deffenbaugh Advances in Eastern Surfing

Jeff Deffenbaugh of Huntington Beach advanced on Saturday to the semifinals of the East Coast Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach, Va.

Wes Laine of Virginia Beach led the competition. Also making it to the semifinals were Danny Melhado of Indiatlantic, Fla., Allan Burke of Barbados, Adam Replogle of Santa Cruz, Juan Ashton of Puerto Rico and Baron Knowlton of Florida.

Because of Hurricane Emily, officials said the surf, which normally breaks at one foot, was breaking at three feet, giving surfers an opportunity to show more of their skills. Emily is expected to keep the surf above normal for today’s final competition.