Vans US Open of Surfing
Jadson Andre (BRA) (Pictured) advanced through his opening Vans US Open of Surfing heat in high flying form today. Andre finished 2nd behind Australia's Garrett Parkes in one of the most exciting heats of the event thus far, with both surfer unloading monster moves to post excellent scores and secure positions in Round 2. Photo: ASP/ Rowland
The Vans US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach is a carnival. It’s not really about surfing – it’s more about the scene, which is pretty awesome, even though it sometimes involves a riot or two. The surfing just acts as a catalyst, of sorts. People show up. People party. People surf. But most of all, people party. And while Huntington doesn’t normally get amazing waves (it’s a surf contest in California in mid-summer), it does get amazing surfers, and they do pretty amazing things on not-so-amazing waves. See proof above. One-to-three foot slop doesn’t usually equal gouging turns and big-ass boosts, but somehow, amid the Huntington cacophony, those were both accomplished.