Hello you!
Its that time of year again, when some of the best surfers in the world congregate in Surf City USA, better known as Huntington Beach, Ca for the U.S Open of Surfing. The U.S. Open of Surfing is a week long surfing competition held annually during the summer. Generally on the south side of the H.B pier, the U.S. Open is part of the qualification process for the WSL World Tour. What that means is that it is open to more than just the 32 top ranked surfers in the world to gain points in order to become a part of the WSL World Tour the following year. It is the largest surfing competition in the world.
I had the chance to spend a few weekday mornings and the finals weekend shooting the event and although the waves were small, the talent still brought an entertaining show. These guys are incredible with what they can do on even the smallest of waves.
Some of this years highlights for me was seeing people I've met the past year taking photographs at the different contests. Leaving at 5 am to building our viewing area before the crowds showed up. Friends meeting up with me throughout the day and having cocktails after. Meeting and having a chat with two surf photogs whose work I enjoy. Zak Noyle & Willie Kessel (look them up on IG to add some awesomeness to your feed) and lastly was pretty stoked when Carlos Munoz ranked number 20th on the World Tour started following me on IG. hahaha
Looking forward to the next contest in September at Trestles in San Clemente. Its is an official stop on the WSL World Tour and the top 32 surfers in the world battle it out. One being this crowd favorite, Filipe Toledo.
Congrats to this years winners Hiroto Ohhara, Johanne Defay, and Juniors, Griffin Colapinto & Caroline Marks.
