HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.—Sunny skies and 2–3-foot surf conditions greeted professional surfers from all over the world as they began their battle for $50,000 in prize money in the opening day of the Vans US Open of Surfing on July 30.
The nine-day festival is held just south of the Huntington Beach Pier and includes surfing, skateboarding, and BMX competitions, making it the largest action sports festival in the world.
Thousands of people gather for the opening day of the Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif., on July 30, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Thousands of people gather for the opening day of the Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Calif., on July 30, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
It’s also a critical stop on the way to qualify for the 2023 World Surf League championship tour, according to the event announcers….