8/30/10 — The anticipated 51st annual U.S. Open of Surfing presented by Nike 6.0, Converse and Hurley, took place in Huntington Beach, CA, from July 31 to August 8. It is one of Southern California’s summer hot spots, packed with mainly teens and young adults, but anyone is welcome to enjoy the events.
There were surfing and skating competitions as well as the Nike 6.0 HB BMX Pro, which is a renowned skateboarding competition where 20 of the world’s best BMX riders compete to win $100,000. Besides being the biggest surfing event, it is also a “music festival and mega fashion showdown,” according to the event’s website.
Popular bands such as Switchfoot, Cobra Starship, Bedouin Soundclash, and Hot Hot Heat performed to packed crowds. On August 7, Weezer fans went wild as they heard their favorite band perform their favorite songs.
“It was a blast,” Veronica Berrones, a fan, said. “Weezer is definitely one of my most favorite bands and seeing them live was exciting.” She attended the concert with her nine-year-old son, who is also a Weezer fan.
In the midst of the excitement and booths representing recognizable companies such as Active, Tilly’s, and Skullcandy, there were activists holding bright posters promoting the legalization of marijuana.
“I was pretty surprised how many people were like excited about it,” Charissa Kim, a senior at Brea High School, said. “I actually expected it, especially with the band, and in the area, it’s pretty liberal. It didn’t really offend me but it was disappointing to see how many people were super excited… but you know that there were people evangelizing right next to them? So, that was pretty funny.”
Missed this year’s U.S. Open? When the time comes next summer, grab your shades and some sunscreen and have fun watching surfers and BMX riders do what they do best and experience the music festivities.
