Huntington Beach, CA/USA (Tuesday, June 28, 2016) - The Vans US Open of Surfing returns to the shores of Surf City, USA this July 23-31.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, the Vans US Open of Surfing has evolved into one of the largest action sports festivals in the world. The historic event showcases the best in surfing, while inviting locals and fans to celebrate the diverse culture of action sports through a vibrant experience that includes premier skateboarding and BMX competitions, artist workshops, curated retail spaces, and free day-long activities for the entire family.
"Vans is counting the days until we arrive once again in iconic Surf City, USA to celebrate the world's greatest athletes in surf, skate, and BMX, said Kevin Bailey, VF and Vans Global Action Sports and Outdoor Brand President. In partnership with the city and dedicated local community, Vans is honored to be a part of this historic festival as we encourage fans, spectators and families alike to be a part of the engaging, creative experience that is unique to our action sports culture."
This year's elite surfing competitions include the sixth stop on the Samsung Galaxy World Surf League (WSL) Women's Championship Tour (CT). Santa Ana local Courtney Conlogue (USA) will lead the field of world's best female surfers and heads into the CT event as the Jeep ratings leader. Conlogue is a former runner-up at Huntington Beach and a serious world title contender. Following a string of strong results so far this season, including a win at Bells Beach, she will be one to watch. Also in the hunt for her first world title is 2014 US Open champion Tyler Wright (AUS), who sits close behind Conlogue in second place on the Jeep Leaderboard following an incredible start to 2016 with three CT event wins. Three-time reigning WSL Champion and 2013 event winner Carissa Moore (HAW) sits in third place on the rankings, with defending event champion Johanne Defay (FRA), fresh from an emphatic victory at the recent Fiji Pro, in fourth place.
The Vans US Open of Surfing will also feature a WSL Men's QS 10,000 event, a combined WSL Pro Junior event, and the Vans Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational, the world's most progressive longboarding contest.
An exciting addition for 2016 will introduce the Vans Pro Skate Park Series, skateboarding's first-ever international championship point series in park terrain competition, presenting a world-class field of pro and amateur skateboarders into the spotlight. The US Open marks the last stop in the series determining the final contenders in pursuit of the first-ever Vans Pro Skate Park Series World Championship crown in park terrain.
On the heels of Vans' 50th anniversary, Vans will bring forth House of Vans, which will transform the Vans US Open of Surfing into a festival of discovery with creative workshops, classic games and interactive activities available for all. With artists, musicians and athletes at the helm of each workshop, House of at the US Open will provide an engaging atmosphere, encouraging fans and spectators to discover a new form of art and inspiration.
The Vans US Open of Surfing will be webcast LIVE from July 25-July 31 on VansUSOpenofSurfing.com and WorldSurfLeague.com and on the free WSL app. For the live webcast, a full schedule of events and more, please visit: www.vansusopenofsurfing.com. All Vans US Open of Surfing events are free and open to the public.
The Vans US Open of Surfing is recognized as the largest professional sports competition and action sports festival in the world. The event is hosted in partnership with the World Surf League and event owner and operator IMG. Official sponsors of this year's event include Vans, Samsung Galaxy, Jeep, Go Pro, AirBnB, Pacifico, Workday, Credit Karma, G-Shock, and LifeProof.
About The World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world's best surfing on the world's best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.
The WSL has been championing the world's best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men's and Women's Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport's rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.
Showcasing the world's best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Gabriel Medina, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the original action sports footwear, apparel and accessories brand. Vans authentic collections are sold globally in more than 75 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors and international offices. Vans also owns and operates nearly 600 retail locations around the world. The Vans brand promotes the action sports lifestyle, youth culture and creative self-expression through the support of athletes, musicians and artists and through progressive events and platforms such as the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing®, the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, Vans Warped Tour®, and Vans' cultural hub and international music venue, the House of Vans.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world's greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, a leading global entertainment agency.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
World Surf League (WSL)
Dave Prodan
dprodan@worldsurfleague.com
Vans
Kathy Miranda
kathy_miranda@vfc.com
IMG
Maura McGreevy
mmcgreevy@img.com
MSO PR
Marcee Rondan
marcee@mspr.com