US Open of Surfing Splashes into Huntington Beach

The Nike US Open of Surfing, held in sunny Huntington Beach, C.A., wrapped up a week of surf, skate, music and fun in the sun earlier this week (see our preview here). Title sponsor Nike and the presenting sponsors Hurley and Converse hosted this premier action sports event.

Results:                                                                      

Pictured- Julian Wilson.
Picture borrowed from USOpenofSurfing.com

Nike US Open of Surfing- Men’s: Julian Wilson

Nike US Open of Surfing- Women’s: Lakey Peterson

Nike US Open of Surfing Pro Juniors- Men’s: Conner Coffin

Nike US Open of Surfing Pro Juniors- Women’s: Nikki Van Dijk

Converse Coastal Carnage Finals and Best Trick: Ben Raybourn

The media tent was stocked with cans of Red Bull and lunch—yum! We enjoyed a great view of the surf action from the media tent. Vendor booths surrounded the event’s premises, and companies handed out free swag to the crowds. I grabbed some cool posters and magazines to take back home with me.

The Red Bull tent and the Rip Curl store hosted autograph signings by their athletes who were on site for the Open. Live music by TV on the Radio, Grouplove and a few more bands was played throughout the week as well. Movie screenings were also hosted on the beach. Notable athletes were all over the place. One of my all time favorite skaters Bob Burnquist made a quick appearance at one of the skateboarding contests!

Hurley sold lots of gnarly US Open of Surfing t-shirts, and I bought the black V-neck as my keepsake.

A big thanks goes out to all the sponsors who keep the Open free of admission costs each year. More than 50,000 spectators showed up to catch the sports action this year.

The youth definitely made their mark this year. 20-year-old Brazilian Miguel Pupo knocked out established surfer Kelly Slater in the semi-finals. The surfing and skating youngins went home as superstars.

History was made, and dreams came true. Congrats to the winners, and see you all around next year in HB!