US Open of Surfing

Was able to come enjoy the US Open of Surfing this year … arrive early and you’re in for some nicer breezy cloudy weather (came on a Friday morning). The surf competition is a fun sight to see, I stayed for about 15 minutes and was able to witness 3 surfers doing tricks and gunning for 1^st place. Incredible athletes!
The grounds surrounding the competition was cool, as they had booths to pick up some nice sponsor freebies. There are also kid games (similar to those at the fair) where you have to line up and do different tosses, hoops etc.
Because it was already rather crowded early in the morning before 10 am, there were only a couple spots of metered parking left. Try to find one if you can, or use the public parking structure.
Be sure to check out the «largest surfboard in the world» (per Guinness Book of World Records) right on Main Street (on display). That was a pretty awesome thing to see.
More photos here:

«If everybody had an ocean
Across the U. S. A.
Then everybody’d be surfin’
Like Californi-​a
You’d seem ‘em wearing their baggies
Huarachi sandals too
A bushy bushy blonde hairdo
Surfin’ U. S. A.»
The quintessential beach song that everybody knows, and while «Surf City» has a more appropriate title, Surfin USA sums ups HB basically too a T. Bushy bushy blonde hair do’s might be platinum blonde locks on dudes carrying longboards to the waves, and Huarachis have been replaced by Rainbows, but it all comes down to ONE thing. SURFING! As a Cali baby, I have spent the majority of my life in the water one way or another. Do I know how to surf? No, but I’ve tried and I plan on keeping at it. The VANS US Open reignited that little spark. And there’s plenty to do if you don’t feel like sitting on the beach watching these pros catch some pretty nice waves.
The U.S. Open is usually the last week of July, and has been sponsored by Vans for the past couple of years. Personally I hope they continue to sponsor it, just because I love Vans haha. Anyhow, this event is a slow starter. I came the first Sunday it opened with baby sister and there was a small crowd but nothing crazy. All of the major stuff was set up in the Boardwalk area around the Vans pop up store, including multiple vendor booths that were holding raffles and giving out free stuff all day. Fast forward 4 days and event security is in full swing, heats are finally being displayed on giant screens near the pier, and vendor booths have figured out how to get organized to avoid people coming back for more free ish. What tripped me out most was they had a FULL SIZE (yes you read that right) Vans store! Not some inflatable building. It had A/​C, fitting rooms, they had shoes, and backpacks. It was bigger then the one at my local mall lol! If you don’t feel like browsing vendor stands, check out the Van Doren International arena to see some pro skaters doing their thang. The event gains traction quickly, and the beach does end up packed. The layout is actually very well designed, and with as many people that attend the event throughout the week, it works!
Sunday is the Finals and trophy ceremony and this is not only the most intense day, it’s also the most crowded. Put it like this. I woke up at 5 am after getting off work at 12:30AM to get a spot by the grandstands so we would have great spots for the final heats. And by the time the Men’s Final heat came around, I couldn’t see the water 200 feet in front of me. Over 50k+people in attendance to see the U.S. and Japan battle it out for the title. Congrats to Japan on the win, Hiroto Ohhara was on point and nailed massive waves. Maui Boy (aka Tanner Hendrickson) placed 2^nd. Both were the underdogs and goddamn they pulled some sick tricks to make it to the end.
The event is worth the mad house, worth the crowds, and worth the time you spend in the sun! I’m pretty sure I’m part mermaid, and my soul was at ease this week at the beach. Go check out the U.S. Open of Surf next year if you’ve never been. It’s a local event and it’s basically free (minus parking and whatever you spend on clothes and merch).
Shaka bruh… let the waves heal your soul.

The VANS US Open of Surfing this year was much less crowded than past years. Less vendors on the sand close to the event and less vendor booths lined Main Street.
Believe it or not though, I enjoyed our visit more this time around. Parking wasn’t a problem at all. The crowds weren’t as rambunctious as they once were, probably because the police had more of a presence and were better focused on crowd control. For the first time, we felt comfortable enough to walk the pier and watch the Finals from above and were able hear the cheesy, but humorous, commentary of the announcers clearly.

Much love to the staff and crew who put this together, and the city of Huntington Beach for stepping up their security for the event. I’ve always enjoyed coming to the U.S. Open. Every year has been great! Besides the occasional few who party a little too much, it always ends well. This year, has been the best in event and it’s not even over yet.
They really beefed up security and protocol. I watched so many people having to pour their beers/​liquor away. They were checking everyone’s bag near the event, and I thought that was awesome! I had my bags checked 3 times and I didn’t mind; as I understand it was to keep the event peaceful and safe for everyone.
Only reason why I’m giving 4 stars is because I wish there was more shade for spectators. I enjoy watching all the events but sitting under the sun for that long can be tiresome. I like to tan but when it’s just my shoulders and the top of my head, it’s not a good look.
I hope they keep doing an amazing job and keep this tradition going!

Pros and Cons
Pros
1. the event focuses on surfing, a popular and historical sport
2. its a tradition
3. Its fun to attend
Cons
1. its very crowded
Ive came to several U.S. Opens over the years. The event is entertaining and historical. However, the event is always extremely crowded.

Just so everyone knows due to last year’s riot, this year will be scaled back: «Gone were the music stage and the skate bowl, but he also significantly reduced the number of beach vendors and barred alcohol sales and consumption at the venue.»
This event has little to do with surfing, both Literally and Figuratively, as the surf will be tiny this year. But it has everything to do with corporate branding. So if you support that, show up.
And maybe someday it will be a real surfing event…

I’ve been coming here for 3 consecutive years and I love this place. I saw MGMT and Modest Mouse live. Best beach in SoCal
The venues are active and people are friendly. I come to Huntington beach often and I fell in love with the people, beach, an scenery. Surfers are so hot: p and the tournament, live music and festivities are worth it.
Its the best place to see sunsets
If you want to see live music for awesome popular bands and you’ve been to a metal show your good, you can handle the beating. BUT if you haven’t
PREPARE YOURSELF to
1. drink large amount of water
— pee before you go in the crowd
2. if you come with people
bring a CELLPHONE cause you will loose each other after the show (I went a group of 7 for the first time, we all slowly got shoved away by the crowd. 2 of us were left; lost all of them lol)
3. Don’t take your flip flops with you cause YOU WILL LOOSE THEM bring socks wth — the sand is hot
4. Prepare for overpopulated people pressed so much against you at hard to breath and mist all over the air
not take kids in with you they won’t survive (seriously)
6. Don’t panic and rock on ;)
Prepare yourself mentally if you can do this and stop being a little

Jesus mother-​effing Christ … Where do I start?
Well… All of you idiots who drop your teenage shit heads off where people live and work — your kids are total douche bags. Last year was bad for disrespectful punk ass kids but obviously this was the worst year yet. Besides the rioting– personal experiences included a group full of teens walking into a salon through the back door, blaring music during working hours, refusing to leave shouting obscenities at customers
resulting in the staff threatening to call the cops. They yelled «fuck you» to everyone in the salon and finally left. A friend (4’11″ and petite) of mine was followed to work by a group of kids threatening her at 10am on a friggin Tuesday.
Oh and incase you’re wondering what your little angels are up too– they most definitely changed into thong bathing suits behind your back– yes your 12 yr old daughter was walking around with her ass hanging out while men the age of her parents drunkenly drooled over her. Oh and what about the guys walking around with «FREE RAPE» written on their chests? Awesome.
Not only can residents not park at their own homes or work but we have to deal with horrible people treating our city like crap for a week– leaving behind their trash, piss and puke. I hope next years US Open is 21 and over or at least 18 and over (that’s pushing it.) Apparently your kids aren’t mature or respectful enough to be left alone without mommy and daddy.
The athletic aspect is awesome and fun to watch. Love heading to Shorebreak to see all the pros and have some beers.
Every year I’ve lived here it’s just become more of a bummer. Hopefully shit will change this coming year.

What the hell? Drunk people rioting?
The goods: Free food giveaways, free clothing: t-​shirts, hats, sunglasses, free entertainment: several concerts and movies over the course of the competition, free eye-​candy: all the hot girls are wearing dental floss bikinis this year, let’s just say that I’ve never seen so many a$$‘s in one place.
The bad: drunks everywhere, trash, no parking, I’ve also never seen so many Douchebags in one place. Waiting in line to use the bathroom, to get food.
The ugly: Rioting on the last day with broken glasses, store fronts being broken into, bar fights, street fights.
Many years ago the City of HB canceled this event for 1 year due to problems. I’m anticipating that due to the riots this year, they will make an executive decision to do that and keep the crazies out!

Pros: FREE
Free shuttle!
There’s a variety of really cool events — Surfing, BMX AND Skating!!!
CON: Hella crowded!!!

If you don’t like big crowds, this is not recommended. This was my first time going to the US open of surfing, and I must admit I enjoyed the atmosphere and how many people were there. It had its moments where I was getting annoyed of the pushing and shoving to get free stuff, or just to get anywhere of that matter, but overall if you’re with good company and enjoy the beautiful weather, it’ll be fun. First things first… PARKING is going to be a pain in the butt regardless! unless you go early in the morning. In downtown Huntington there are several places to eat and grab a few drinks, its not really over priced in my opinion, and the shirts and tanks that are being sold at the us open aren’t over priced as well which is surprising considering its a special event. They have a lot of stores to look at if you want to get out of the sun and into a nice air conditioned room. I would most likely come back with some friends or even just to spend time with a significant other.

There’s too many teenie boppers here… Made the whole experience this year just «meh» for me and my best friend. I gave it the two stars because I have in fact experienced better. The crowd of people it attracted this year just isn’t the same as before.

Screw the Vans US open, they Banned Rockin Fig for hosting and this would of been his 20^th yr doing it!!!
HB Sucks, STAY in riverside!

This is the one event of the year that always brings me back to HB.
The US open is all about fun, party and surf. Tons of spectators, tons of waves and tons of surfers. Being here is a unique and heart pumping experience. You get to see world class surfers battle it out for one of the biggest titles in surfing. How cool is that?
HB really transforms for the Open as restaurants and businesses have sales and promotions. The nightlife is fun and most importantly, clean.
It is hard to find parking so be sure to carpool or transit. There are many people and enforcement so don’t be stupid… be safe. Also don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

As a Huntington Beach local, this is one of my favorite events of the year. I try to come as many days as I can. This event is worth traveling for — is just a great time! Of course the finals are amazing to see, but from day one I love the atmosphere and competition. I come before work some, and have to tear myself away.
Even if surfing is brand new to you — check it out. The event itself is fun to explore. The are a zillion bodies in swimsuits, and teens write weird messages on themselves. The booths to check in will earn you free stuff, and run you all over the beach to do so. Everyone is happy at the beach — and massive crowds of «happy» draw me in. The music events are terrific, and free. You can catch some amazing skateboarding, and even give it a try yourself.
I am a huge fan of the event, and I am thankful it is in my hometown!

Considering the attire (or lack of attire) many wear to this and the age group involved, I’m thinking that many registered sex offenders shouldn’t be allowed within 1000 feet of the beach during the US Open. Ok, the difficulty in getting a parking spot may be the best safeguard to keep them out.
I basically walked here to avoid paying a ridiculous amount for parking. As I passed by the Dairy Queen on PCH I got a sense of some of the festivities going on. It smelled like: the bionic, the bomb, the puff, the blow, the black, the herb, the sensie, the cronic, the sweet Mary Jane, Ganja, split, reefa, the bad, the buddha, the home grown, the ill, the maui-​maui, the method, pot, lethal turbo, tie, shake, skunk, stress, whacky, weed, glaze, the boot, dimebag, Scooby Doo, bob, bogey, back yard boogie, or whatever you want to call it.
Once I finally made it to the beach, it was interesting to see a bunch of little food & refreshment stands adjacent to Zack’s Pier Plaza. When I saw about 75 people in line I asked my friend what that stand was serving. His response: «that’s the line for the bathroom.» Better than going in the ocean, I suppose.
Putting aside the general atmosphere, the booths, the people, and the weather, the highlight has to be the free concerts. I left work early and joined the mostly teen and college crowd that was out of school for the summer to watch Grouplove.
There actually weren’t many tourists in this crowd, some things you can just tell. I started off about 50 standing rows back but at the end only had 3 people in front of me. Sure, I had to endure sand-​filled water bottles being thrown near me, people literally crowd surfing while on surfboards, sweaty smelly people with hashtags and Twitter handles plastered on their body, hoisting random people on my shoulders, and people blocking my view by texting, tweeting, touting, and instragramming throughout the concert. But it was worth it.
Oh, there’s a surfing competition going on here too? Where was that?

Great weeklong familly event. A must especially if you are local.

«Spank Me,» «Free Hugs,» The US Open of Surfing is a pedafile’s dream.
Teenagers (children) run around with these tag lines etched suggestively on their bodies. At first i thought it was lipstick but then i saw the sharpie markers. Red seems to be the color of choice for boys whereas girls prefer the black.
What world did I just step into? Mobs of fresh faced youths swarm in large groups looking to «connect» with each other. I’m sure their momma’s would be proud. Teenie weenie bikini’s and scrawny boys oversexualized over run the beach. The girls arrive in their bikini’s sans shoes and I’ve heard many boys saying to the girls «why didn’t u wear your sandals?» when the girls complain about their feet burning in the hot asphalt walking down main street or even atop the hot sand on the beach. I was just thinking of how disgusting the bathroom floors are and how I wouldn’t want to step on any of that mess barefoot. Ahhh youth.
Well I enjoy the athletic side of the Open. I plop myself down on the beach with a blanket under an umbrella and like to watch the surfers surf. Funny how not many people are doing that as mobbed as the area is there is plenty of space on the beach and you can get a prime spot for viewing the surfers no problem. Opening day and monday on the first day of the men’s pro I was able to set up shop next to rocking fig (radio surfer dude) and watch him do interviews on the sand.
Listening to those interviews I realize most people are here for the scene, most people have zero clue about the surfers or surfing. Well I’ll have to admit I’m one of those people. I was dragged by my girlfriend because she enjoys a good mob. I returned on my own though and subjected myself to these throngs of children because watching the athleticism of these world class surfers is awe inspiring. They put in work! I love cheering them on. I love laying on the soft sand and relaxing as a spectator.
Whatever your reason for coming down to the US Open of Surfing the organizers want you there. They appreciate a good mob and encourage it with free concerts of amazing bands and free giveaways of sponsors products it’s a marketers dream. Come out and enjoy the masses and come collect a few of those free hugs.

This is my favorite event of every summer! Surfing, bmx, skateboarding, free concerts like Weezer, MGMT, Jimmy Eat World, Jason De Rulo… etc. free redbull and other freebies, lots of teeny tiny bikinis with ‘free hugs’ written on people. mass amounts of people! This year alot of people had no service with their phones, so be prepared for that!
good luck on parking! Bring a bike, skateboard, or walk if you want free parking. Either that or pay $ 20
Get all your senses fulfilled with this free event!
Taste the free samples
Hear the free concert music
Smell the fresh ocean breeze and suntan lotion
See the eye candy
Touch the people who want free hugs

Great event just to many people. Well the HBPD will have a field day.
And downtown was a zoo. I would go to beach and Garfield in the corner on the other side of CVS near iHop «Maxs for a fun time» and strong drinks