The U.S. Open of Surfing has been held at Huntington Beach, California since 1959. This year’s weeklong event began on July 28th and ended on August 5th. It is one of a few of North America’s six-star World Qualifying Series of men’s and women’s events. The competition itself is critical to American surfers hoping to reach the Association of Surfing Professionals elite World Tours. Thus, being the largest surfing competition held in the world.Nearly 500,000 people attend each year to catch all the hullabaloo for themselves. This year’s reigning champion 24 year-old Julian Wilson from Australia who defeated Miguel Pupo. As well as 17 year-old Lakey Peterson from Santa Barbra who won over Carissa Moore. They won a total of $100,00.

 

It has increasingly become known for its fashion, art and giving beach goers a taste of up and coming artists along with its mainstream performances. The music stage has become one of the most anticipated programs during the Open and has grown to be the largest free concert series of the summer. Headlining in past performances include Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, and most notably MGMT at last year’s festivities. This year was greatly different, however. Presented by Converse, Hurley, and Nike, over the course of three days Best Coast, Grouplove and T.V. On the Radio headlined. Joining them were Walk the Moon, Hindu Pirates, White Arrows, and Toro y Moi.