Nike US Open of Surfing 2011

We’re looking forward to the 2011 Nike US Open of Surfing that is starting this weekend. It runs from July 30 to August 7. All events are free and open to the public or can be viewed live daily at www.usopenofsurfing.com.

With more than 500,000 people expected in a 14-acre stretch of sand next to the Huntington Beach Pier, the Nike US Open of Surfing will showcase the best in surfing, skating, BMX, music, fashion and art.

In addition to surfing competitions, the event will feature stunts from talented riders from across the globe performing in a state-of-the-art skate bowl and a crew of BMX riders pushing the realm of possibility. The runway will be busy, too, as five of the nation’s top high schools compete for $25,000 in the Hurley Walk the Walk National Championship youth fashion competition. And the US Open Music Stage will host a lineup of bands sure to blow out the amplifiers.

There’ll be more than 100 interactive exhibits, autograph signings, DJs and giveaways. Other sponsors include: G-Shock, Skullcandy, Red Bull, Pacifico, Paul Mitchell Salon Haircare, Invisalign Teen and Transworld Media.

If you want a break from the sun, head out to Duke's, Sandy's Bar and Grill, Ruby's on the pier, or the Shorebreak Hotel, a popular hang-out for the Surfrider Foundation. 

Taco Tuesday at Yucatan Grill

For the best salmon tacos in Orange County we stopped by Yucatan Grill (550 Pacific Coast Hwy., Seal Beach). These put the other guys' fish tacos to shame. They're stuffed with whole fillets of grilled salmon, chopped tomatoes, shredded cabbage, onions and spices. On Tuesdays the prices are $1 off and the place is packed. We were lucky to get a seat by the window in the back room.

You can wash down the tacos with one of the many choices from the Margarita menu, a Mojito or the Tropical Iced Tea.


Other specialties include Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Mojo Mahi-Mahi with Cajun Spices, Jumbo Grilled Shrimp, and Chile Relleno. Or you might want to try the Yucatan Fish Pot, a seafood stew of scallops, fish, shrimp, tomatoes, rice and spices. Save room for dessert and try the Coconut Flan or the Tres Leches Cake.

On Saturdays and Sundays Yucatan Grill is open for breakfast from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with hearty breakfasts, they serve Mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Surfrider HB/SB Chapter Meeting with Newport Beach - July 20th

The Surfrider meeting was held at Blue C Advertising in Costa Mesa. Guest Speakers Eric Bornstein of Engage 360 and Catherine Hollinger, Director of EcoRhythm, spoke about energy and water conservation issues.

Bornstein highlighted the advantages of washing clothes in cold water detergent because it saves 90% more energy. He passed out commitment cards to everyone asking them to agree to reduce their energy usage by cutting back on air conditioning, using fans, monitoring refrigerator temperature settings and other means.


Hollinger warned, "We are in a water crisis... using and reusing every drop of ground water." She noted that by 2021 there's a 50% chance of running dry. Southern California is at particular risk because it has a pre-WWII water system that wasn't designed to provide water for today's large population. In addition to talking about ways to conserve water, she focused on the need to preserve watersheds - the links between the land and the sea that carry water to the ocean.


Protecting the environment can involve simple things like proper handling of everyday waste materials. For example, changing the oil in your car. People don't realize that one quart of oil dumped down the drain affects 250,000 gallons of water.


For more information go to http://hsbsurfrider.org/

Introducing SurfWriter Girls

If you are a surfer who loves the thrill of riding a perfect wave, someone who enjoys the beauty and tranquility of the ocean or just likes the beach environment, restaurants and shops... come join us on our blog!

Together we will explore all the things our beaches have to offer and ways to improve the quality of our environment. From your early morning coffee at HSS's Java Point Cafe or The River's End to surfing at the Huntington Beach Pier or the River Jetty to Happy Hour at Duke's we'll be there with you.

And we'll share our tips on where to go for the best beach burgers and salmon tacos; fitness, skin care and beauty techniques that hold up to the sun; beach fashions; fun things to do and where to stay along the coast; and ways to get involved in beach cleanups and protecting the ocean. We'll also introduce you to people who are making a difference... whether it's environmental activists, artists and entrepreneurs or surfing legends.

Check out our blog for information about activities and events sponsored by the Surfrider Foundation's Huntington Beach/Seal Beach Chapter http://hsbsurfrider.org/. You'll see that there is always something going on... and a way you can help the organization achieve its ocean-friendly goals of "Conservation, Activism, Research, and Education."

We're writing from Orange County, CA, but the ocean connects all of us in a borderless world. So, from Surf City or wherever you may be, we welcome your ideas and stories locally and globally.