HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Hurley is taking the U.S. Open of Surfing to a new level, infusing a youthful attitude, elite athletes, fashion and music—all against the backdrop of 50 years of competitive surfing at the famed Huntington Beach Pier. The Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing hosts 500 world-class athletes and draws more than 400,000 spectators over nine days—July 18 to 26. The event is owned and produced by IMG, a global leader in sports and entertainment. All of the action is accessible live on usopenofsurfing.com.
“As custodians of the surfing heritage and the tradition that is at the core of this iconic event, we take our role very seriously. The U.S. Open has always been vital for men’s and women’s surfing in North America, and a pivotal point on the road to the ASP World Tour,” says James Leitz, Vice President of IMG Action Sports, the long time producers of the event. “Alongside Hurley, our fine sponsors and the City of Huntington Beach, we are also proud to deliver this one-of-a-kind experience to the fans.”
Anchored by the world’s largest professional surfing competition, the Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing features North America’s only combined men’s ($145,000) and women’s ($35,000) six-star World Qualifying Series (WQS) competitions. Elite athletes slated to compete include three-time U.S. Open champion Rob Machado, nine-time world champion Kelly Slater and three-time world and former U.S. Open champion Andy Irons along with many of the sport’s top rated men and women.
Long considered America’s “consumer showcase” for the sport of surfing, the Hurley U.S. Open also features the U.S. Open of Surfing Nike 6.0 Junior Pro competitions for boys ($10,000) and girls ($10,000), Life Rolls On Expression Session and Corona Nose Riding Invitational ($10,000). The first-ever World Professional Surfers All-Stars event lets the public chose 10 surfers competing in the U.S. Open while the Hurley Pro Trials will determine two coveted wild-card entrants into the ASP World Tour event at Trestles in September.
Nike affiliates Converse and Nike 6.0 will be bringing top action sports athletes to Huntington by hosting world-class BMX and Skateboarding competitions south of the famed pier. The Nike 6.0 HB BMX Pro is a uniquely-formatted “park event,” featuring 20 invited riders – including the 2008 Dew Tour’s Top 10. Not to be outdone, Converse and Red Bull introduce Converse Coastal Carnage, a Super Mini-Park event for skateboarding featuring an evolutionary combination of street and park skating, as well as an impressive roster of world-class skaters that are guaranteed to attract swarms of spectators.
Celebrating 50 years of competitive surfing at the Huntington Beach Pier, the ASP sanctioned Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing venue will be infused with history, the highlight of which is the “True Performance” Walk of Champions. This unique tribute pays homage to the men and women champions of the original U.S./West Coast Championships (1959-72), Op Pro Surfing Championships (1982-93) and the U.S. Open of Surfing (1994 to date). Across the street, the salute to surf history continues with the Surfing Walk of Fame (Jack’s Surfboards) and surfers’ Hall of Fame (Huntington Surf & Sport) induction ceremonies.
More than 400,000 spectators also will enjoy an interactive festival featuring more than 100 exhibits, autograph signings, dance contests, DJs, guest emcees and prize giveaways. In addition to live bands, the massive concert stage showcases Hurley’s “Walk the Walk”, a celebration of youth, art, music and Fashion. Four high schools are invited to showcase their vision of Hurley’s 2009 Fall line that will be judged by Bob Hurley, celebrities, professional models and stylists, and Hurley athletes.
The Hurley US Open of Surfing is also proudly sponsored by Casio G’Zone, Paul Mitchell Salon Haircare, Corona, TransWorld SURF, Southwest Airlines, G-Shock, Red Bull, Verizon Wireless and Verizon FiOS.
Open to the public free-of-charge, the Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing begins on Saturday, July 18 and runs through Sunday, July 26. Festival activities, BMX and skate competitions begin on Thursday, July 23. Live webcast and consumer information is available at usopenofsurfing.com.
About Hurley
Founded in 1999, Hurley is an authentic “Microphone for Youth” brand rooted in surf, skate, art, music and beach cultures. hurley.com
About Nike 6.0
The Nike 6.0 brand defines innovation and embodies the creativity of youth, united by action. Nike 6.0 delivers footwear and apparel to support the new generation of action sports athletes who are changing the worlds of surf, snow, BMX, moto, wake and freeski. Their unlimited potential and contagious energy deliver the future through performance and lifestyle. nike6.com
About Converse
Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s Original Sports Company” and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe, the Jack Purcell shoe and the One Star shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men’s and women’s footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 25 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at converse.com.
About IMG Sports And Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports and Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world’s largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. More information is available at imgworld.com.
