Each summer over half a million action sports fans descend on Huntington Beach to watch the world’s best action sport athletes compete in surfing, skateboarding and BMX racing. The 2018 Vans US Open of Surfing presented by Swatch returns to the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier from July 28th through August 5th. One of the largest action sports festivals in the world, this free event features fun activities for all ages, including customization workshops, movie premieres, vendor exhibitions and giveaways, live music and art exhibitions. For a full schedule of events visit: http://www.vansusopenofsurfing.com/2018-surf/schedule.
Huntington Beach has a long history of surfing. The sport was first introduced to the town in 1925 by legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Duke Kahanamoku. Six years later, the first U.S. Surfing Championships took place. The following year, the Surfing Championships were covered on television, which rocketed Huntington Beach’s international fame as a surfer’s paradise. In 2005, the USA Surf Team adopted Huntington Beach as its official home and the Association of Surfing Professionals-North America moved to the city.
The Huntington Beach Pier is the site of the US Open, as well as many other surfing competitions. Originally built in 1903 as a wooden pier, it has been rebuilt several times over the years, most recently in 1992. Shortly after, the iconic Ruby’s Diner was established and has been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Huntington Beach started as a sleepy seaside town 1909 with a population of 909 and has grown to become a worldwide surfing and beach destination. From surfing to paddle boarding, pier fishing and boating, to whale watching and kitesurfing there is something for everyone. Come on out next week to enjoy all that this coastal town has to offer!
