Finn Wu Viorel

Born and raised in Wilmington, NC, my life has revolved around the ocean and everything it provides. I started surfing at 5 years old, earned my first sponsorships in sixth grade, and competed in my first professional contests at 15. I’ve traveled the world as a competitive surfer while keeping academics a top priority. I’m a driven, competitive athlete and student with a deep love for surfing, and helping those less fortunate. During training trips and in my free time, I use my surfing experience and resources to give back to people facing difficult circumstances. My journey has taught me valuable lessons about personal growth, empathy, and living a well-rounded life. Since sixth grade, I have also cultivated an entrepreneurial mindset, building multiple income streams through online reselling and investing. As a self-taught investor, I developed a strong interest in the stock market, business, and personal finance. I am currently an Economics student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with assured enrollment into the Kenan-Flagler Business School and am honored to be the recipient of the Andrew Rose Undergraduate Assured Enrollment Scholarship.

Professional Surfing | World Surf League (WSL) World Qualifying Series (WQS)

Competed in professional-level WSL WQS events across the United States, including Cocoa Beach, Florida; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and the Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Qualified for the 2025 WSL WQS and Junior Pro events in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Carolina Cup Pro/Am, Myrtle Beach, SC (2023, 2024):

Men’s Pro Finalist (2024)

Junior Men’s Pro Finalist (2023, 2024)

First professional contest appearance at age 15

Amateur Surfing | National-Level Competition

USA Surfing competitor, representing the top-ranked surfers on the East Coast by age division.

2024 Under 18: #3 North Carolina Ranking, #6 East Coast Ranking; National Championship Qualifier (Top 48 USA)

2023 Under 16: #2 North Carolina Ranking, #3 East Coast Ranking; National Championship Qualifier (Top 48 USA)

National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA):

Multiple-time Season Champion

East Coast Championship Finalist

National Championship Semifinalist

Eastern Surfing Association (ESA):

East Coast All-Star Team Member

Multiple-time District Champion

Mid-Atlantic Regional and Eastern Championship Finalist

Athletic Sponsorships

Represented and partnered with leading surf industry brands, including:

Billabong — Apparel, wetsuits, and boardshorts

Channel Islands Surfboards — High-performance surfboards

Creatures of Leisure — Surf equipment and accessories

Carve Eyewear — Eyewear and lifestyle products

Surf City Surf Shop — Team athlete and ambassador

International Surf Outreach & Equipment Donations | Community Service (2022-2026)

• Utilized remaining resources from personal surf sponsorships to provide boards, wetsuits, and equipment to young surfers and local communities during international surf trips.
• Donated surf supplies and shared the sport with children in Costa Rica, Taiwan, Bali, and Mexico, helping expand access to surfing opportunities for individuals with limited resources.
• Promoted the values of community, mentorship, and environmental connection by using personal opportunities in surfing to create meaningful experiences for others.

Indo Jax Surf Charities | Volunteer  — 100+ Hours

• Supported ocean-based outreach programs focused on empowering underserved and at-risk youth through surf therapy and community engagement.
• Participated in local and international service initiatives, including outreach efforts in India, Nicaragua, and California.

Billabong USA & Chinese Taipei Surfing Association | Surf Ambassador (December 2024)

• Represented international surf organizations through athlete outreach, mentorship, and community engagement.
• Led surf coaching clinics in Taiwan, provided donated equipment to local surfers, and delivered educational presentations to support the growth of surfing opportunities.

Surf City Surf Shop | Team Captain — Surf Shop Shootout (2022, 2023, 2024)

• Selected as team captain for multiple years, leading teammates in regional competitions and fostering collaboration and competitive excellence.

Wrightsville Beach Boardriders | Team Captain (14U & 15–19 Double Whammy Surfer)

• Demonstrated leadership by supporting teammates, promoting sportsmanship, and representing the organization in competitive events.

National Honor Society | Service Member (August 2025-June 2026) — 25 Hours

• Contributed volunteer service through school and community-based initiatives while promoting leadership, scholarship, and service.

Wrightsville Beach Boardriders Club | Volunteer — 10 Hours

• Assisted with community events and initiatives supporting the local surfing community.

• Taiwan
• U.S.