Brief History
The first West Coast Surfing Championship was held in 1959. 14 years later as the OP Pro and in 1994, the event officially became the US Open of Surfing. What started as a surfing event has evolved into a consumer event and the "super bowl of action sports." Today, the Open combines the biggest surfing competition on the West Coast, pro- and semi-pro competitions action sports competitions, live entertainment and a festival atmosphere. While the event management has changed hands over the years, one thing is certain, you can count on Huntington Beach to host a mid-Summer surfing competition every year for years to come.
Venue Layout
During the US Open of Surfing events, the south side of Huntington Beach Pier is turned into an action sports beach arena, with the main event taking place on an ocean stage. In the backdrop and on the eastern most part of the arena, The "Soul Bowl" Skate Stadium will house the Converse Coastal Carnage pro/am skating competitions at the eastern most part of the US Open arena, while the BMX competitions will be held in the BMX Park. Concerts and the annual Walk the Walk fashion show competition will be presented on the US Open music stage, sandwiched between the Skate Stadium and BMX Park. In the middle of all this excitement, is where event-attendees will find the vendor village with all manner of beach and action sports merchants. Click here for a detailed map of the venue.
Admission and Transportation
This event is free and open to the public. No need for tickets, just show up and enjoy the fun. However, be warned that this is a major beach event, so driving and parking in the downtown Huntington Beach area will also be a major challenge. This does not mean parking will be impossible, as there are five paid parking structures and metered parking in the surrounding area. Parking within the neighborhood is free and also a possibility, but the likelihood is that it be extremely packed. Bicycling or public transport are probably the best ways to avoid the hassle and cost of trying to park a car. OCTA buses servicing the local area include routes, 1 and 25.
Should you decide you don't want to deal with the traffic or the crowds, but you still want to see the sporting events, all competitions will be streamed live via the US Open website.
Go here for a full schedule of event times and dates.
Local Notables
During the US Open of Surfing, surf pioneers, local legends and notable talents are inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame and the Huntington Beach Pier Surfing Walk of Fame. Walk of Fame categories include local hero, woman of the year, surfing champion, surf pioneer, surf culture and honor roll.
Two-time US Open champion, Brett Simpson has emerged as a local hero in his own right. In addition to taking home the US Open Championship two straight years in a row (2009 - 2010), he is also is the top seed for the 2011 championship. Simpson was voted OC Surfer of the Year in the OC Register user poll.
Another Huntington Beach local, Courtney Conlogne, was voted OC Woman Surfer of the Year in the OC Register reader poll. Conlogne's is the lone woman representing North America in this, her rookie year on the ASP World Championship Tour.