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US Open of Surfing: Everything you need to know to go

The Vans US Open of Surfing, the world’s largest action-sports festival, is making a major comeback this week in Huntington Beach.

The mega, nine-day event kicking off Saturday, July 30, had been a staple in the sun-drenched beach town – until the pandemic wiped out the 2020 competition and severely reduced last year’s festival.

“We are back in full swing, no half-stepping this year,” said Justin Villano, the senior marketing manager for Action Sports Brand Marketing at Vans. “I think everyone is excited to get back to some sort of normalcy.”

Aside from the mega surf contest, the event will bring back skateboarding and BMX competitions along with a festival on the sand featuring vendor booths, games, lounge areas, and a massive retail center.

Big year expected for US Open of Surfing’s return

The past two years, Huntington Beach has felt the pandemic’s impact on the US Open of Surfing; even though the surfing competition was held last year, none of the other action sports events were hosted and the footprint of what was held was significantly smaller.

In the years just before the coronavirus wiped out the event, spending during the festival exceeded more than  $55 million in 2018, more than doubling in less than a decade, according to Visit Huntington Beach.

And tourism officials are saying early figures indicate this could be one of the biggest US Open events yet, in terms of boosting the local economy.

While the competition is fierce in the water, the vibe on the sand is all about fun. The Van Doren Village will have a variety of activities, sponsor booths, and the Vans Retail Experience, “an immersive shopping experience tied directly to the theme of sustainability.” Watch professional skateboarders and BMX riders on giant courses built right on the sand.

Vans US Open of Surfing: A wave of excitement as beach festival nears

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So you want to experience the US Open of Surfing?

We got your covered with what you should know before you head to Huntington Beach. What’s the competition all about? Where’s the best shopping? What to bring, what not to bring? Here are all the answers.

We’ve got some parking tips for you

A lot of people will be heading into Huntington Beach during the nine days of competition and activities. What is more important to you? Saving some dough or saving some energy with a shorter walk. Here are some parking options whatever your goal is.

The US Open of Surfing is a busy week

We’ve taken a look at the full schedule of activities around the Huntington Beach Pier over the nine days of the US Open of Surfing, here is what you can do for free. We’ve got the full list of contests and events.

Vans US Open of Surfing making major comeback

The mini-city on the sand is a summertime staple in Orange County, one of the largest events that draws hundreds of thousands of people to the south side of the famed Huntington Beach Pier for the nine-day festival.

Check back for more

With all of this fun and competition in the sun, you know our own beaches reporter Laylan Connelly is going to be down at the Huntington Beach Pier throughout the event.

Watch for all our coverage here.


Source: Orange County Register

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