Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/13059
S panning nine high intensity days of world- class competition, the US Open of Surfing is an event that defies hyperbole. Every year over 500,000 spectators make the trip to Surf City for the competition (July 31-August 8) and a glimpse into the future of the action sports industry. Any given year, US Open attendees are likely to see competitors like Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Rob Machado, Mick Fanning, Jordy Smith, and Brett Simpson facing off in the water. At a surf spot with typically average conditions for the summer months, it's no matter for the world's best. The tradition, magnitude, and high energy vibe of the US Open draws a daunting field of surfers even in the poorest conditions. But, while the Open begins and ends in the water on the south side of the HB pier, the competition continues on the beach, in the ramps and bowls erected for the BMX and skateboard riders. Add top notch live music, a highly-entertaining fashion show presented by high schools from the area and across the country, and "meet and greets" with many US Open athletes along Main Street, and you have a mix of sports and entertainment to rival any event on the West Coast. When it comes to the surfing, everyone's aware of how the US Open main event works; however, you may not be familiar with the newest addition to the surfing section of the Open. Beginning last year, the US Open created a Surfing All Stars Competition where the fans voted online before the event for their eight favorite surfers IN THE WORLD, and then watched them face off in two expression sessions. The 2009 Surfing All Stars saw the likes of Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Mick Fanning, Andy Irons, and CJ Hobgood among 2010 US OPEN OF SURFING By: Tyler Andrews LIVEMAGS.NET JULY>>10 11