This weekend, the US Open of Surfing is returning to Huntington Beach. The nine-day, annual event brings together music, arts and action sports in one of the biggest Orange County events of the Summer.
Two-time Open champion Brett Simpson and ASP World Tour rookie Courtney Conlogne will be representing for Huntington Beach locals. Both Simpson and Conlogne were voted OC Surfer of the Year and OC Female Surfer of the Year respectively in the 2010 OC Register reader poll, and are nominated for again for 2011.
In its 50-year history, the Open has changed managerial hands several times. While the event has been dubbed the Nike US Open of Surfing since 2001, Executive Producer James Leitz says, "we don't take for granted that this is someone else's house."
He made a point to note that the city of Huntington Beach has been a great partner for the Open, working to ensure the event remains safe, sane and respectful of both the local residents and the environment. In fact, the Open is providing an on-site recycling center and free water to all, in an effort to reduce the likelihood of trash -- plastic water bottles in particular -- making it's way into the ocean.
"It's interesting to see even Nike execs walking through the event picking up trash," says Leitz.
The US Open kicks off this Saturday and continues through Sunday, August 7. Admission is free; however, if you're not interested in joining the throng in downtown Huntington Beach, live streaming of the events will be available on the US Open website starting Saturday, July 30.
Read More: US Open of Surfing Event Guide
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