Taking place in late July or early August, the US Open of Surfing is the world’s largest surf competition and lifestyle festival. Over a half million people attend the annual event over the course of nine days. First held in 1959, it became known as the United States Surfing Championship in 1964, and was renamed the US Open of Surfing in 1994.
One of the most popular annual events in Orange County, the US Open of Surfing brings in about $21 million to the Orange County economy and about $16 for the city of Huntington Beach. Every year the best surfers compete to be crowned the world’s best surfer, as well as the largest monetary prize in the sport. The list of past winners of the event includes some of the greatest surfers in the world, like Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Andy Irons, Brett Simpson, Julian Wilson, Sunny Garcia, Alejo Muniz, Stephanie Gilmore, Carissa Moore, and Courtney Conlogue. In addition to surfing, events in recent years have included skateboarding and BMX competitions, live music, movie premieres, fashion shows, and product demos. Be sure to book your hotel for the US Open of Surfing early! Rooms will sell out.