Gates Open At The US Open

Will H-S

Hawaiian Granger Larsen gouging at HB. Pic usopenofsurfing.com.

The US Open Of Surfing is more like the Superbowl than a surf comp, presenting sponsors Hurley and Nike 6.0 sure know how to put on a show. There are 50,000 spectators spread between the famous pier and the sand, with an even split of bikini clad Cali girls and summertime beach goin’ rednecks enjoying the surfing, skating, BMX and live bands going bonkers.


Corey Lopez showing the kids how it's done in round one. Pic usopenofsurfing.com.

The men’s division kicked off this morning in tricky, typical two to three foot wedges. The big guns are seeded directly into round two; today’s stand out performers were Gabriel Medina, Corey Lopez, Nat Young, Granger Larsen and Shaun Cansdell.


Brett Simpo with his hefty $100,000 cheque after winning the US Open last year.

ASL spoke to defending champ Brett Simpson about the stresses of competing in his hometown tourney. “Well, it’s my sponsor’s event, in my home town and I won it last year, but the only one putting pressure on me is myself. I have great local and family support, so it's just going a matter of going out there and having fun. That's what worked for me last year,” said Simpo.
Forecast wise Brett reckons “the first few days have been in the fun three to four foot range, but it’s dropping off mid-week, then coming back up for the final weekend. It should be a great week of surfing!”


Sally Fitz, still in red hot form after three second place finishes in a row. Pic usopenofsurfing.com.

On the women’s side of things the quarter finalists were decided, with three Aussies left in the hunt for the huge 50K first prize; Tyler Wright, Laura Enever and Sally Fitzgibbons.


Hawaiian super-grom Ian Gentle couldn't get past Cans and Medina in heat two. Pic usopenofsurfing.com.


Miguel Pupo took down Tom Curren with moves like this. Pic usopenofsurfing.com.

Live webcast and event info at www.usopenofsurfing.com.