US
Open of Surfing is Off the Wall
Sunny
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Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Action footwear and apparel brand Vans is front and center again for this year’s US Open of Surfing (USOS) in Huntington Beach (July 26 – August 3).
Taking in the sights by the pier, SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel…
could see that event sponsor Vans is focused on making sure that everyone can share the stoke…especially the community and families.
Along with the viewing stands, giant skate bowl, sponsors’
village and on-site Vans retail store, there are areas set aside for family
movie nights and activities.
In its second year hosting the USOS Vans is eager to create an environment that lets everyone experience the beach excitement first-hand. Doug Palladini, Vans Vice President and General Manager of the Americas, said “We look forward to bringing world-class competition across surfing, skateboarding and BMX to SoCal, the epicenter of action sports.”
This year’s USOS is particularly special because it coincides
with Surf City’s 100 Years of Surfing
anniversary commemorating the first time that the HB Pier was surfed – by Hawaiian
surfer George Freeth – in 1914.
A pivotal point on the men’s and women’s pro surfing tours, the USOS always attracts the world’s top surfers and this year is no different. Last year’s winners Alejo Muniz and Carissa Moore are back…
along with surfing great Kelly Slater (11-time ASP World Surfing Champion)
and local favorite Brett Simpson, who’s won the USOS twice.
Other top surfers in the men’s lineup include: Jordy Smith, Julian Wilson, Kai Otton, Nat Young, Josh Kerr and C.J. Hobgood. Among the women competitors are: Sally Fitzgibbons, Stephanie Gilmore, and Tyler Wright.
A pivotal point on the men’s and women’s pro surfing tours, the USOS always attracts the world’s top surfers and this year is no different. Last year’s winners Alejo Muniz and Carissa Moore are back…
along with surfing great Kelly Slater (11-time ASP World Surfing Champion)
and local favorite Brett Simpson, who’s won the USOS twice.
Other top surfers in the men’s lineup include: Jordy Smith, Julian Wilson, Kai Otton, Nat Young, Josh Kerr and C.J. Hobgood. Among the women competitors are: Sally Fitzgibbons, Stephanie Gilmore, and Tyler Wright.
During the week 500,000 people are expected to come out
to watch the competitions and join in the festivities. The Open not only
generates a lot of enthusiasm for surfing, but adds over $20 million to the OC
economy.
and teens – lots of them! – hanging out with friends.
All in all, it was another laid-back day in paradise…at
the US Open of Surfing.
Mingling with the crowds, SurfWriter Girls ran into beach
locals and tourists, families enjoying the beach atmosphere…
Just North of the HB Pier SurfWriter Girls saw Surfrider Foundation volunteers manning
the Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter’s booth giving out information about its
environmental programs and organizing beach clean-ups.
Fiat was back again with its dune buggy-sized 500L –
introducing a concept car inspired by Vans.
The hair stylists from Paul Mitchell had their scissors
ready.
Pacifico beer, G-Shock, Ion Cameras, Xbox, and Red Bull
and were all drawing crowds.
On a warm California day it was nice to indulge in cool
treats…
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