From US Open of Surfing: HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Monday, June 7, 2010 – The world’s largest action sports festival wouldn’t be complete without an all-star event. And at this year’s U.S. Open of Surfing, held July 31-August 8 at the Huntington Beach Pier, we’ll see the return of the World Professional Surfers (WPS) All Stars.
Last year, fans voted online for their favorites and were then able to watch eight icons — including Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Mick Fanning, CJ Hobgood and Rob Machado — perform live in both the main event and in two specialty expression sessions. Not only did it help amplify Huntington’s stadium atmosphere to unprecedented levels, but it honored those surfers who continue to move the sport forward.
“The U.S. Open of Surfing is just as much about the athlete as it is about the fan,” says Hurley VP of Sports Marketing Pat O’Connell. “And when we’re able to recognize greatness and elevate the experience both in the water and on the beach, everyone wins.”
Starting today, June 7, fans can go to the U.S. Open website (usopenofsurfing.com) and pick their 10 favorite surfers from a list of 60 candidates. Each surfer will receive one point per vote. At the end of the two-week period, on June 21, the 10 highest-voted surfers will be announced and then invited to participate in the second annual WPS All Star Event.
Last year, WPS All Stars were honored on stage, participated in autograph signings and amazed the crowd with two “PWC-assisted” expression sessions. There’s no doubt there will be all of that and more with this year’s WPS All Star honorees.
“The 2009 WPS All Stars was a great event,” said reigning World Champ and 2009 WPS All Star Mick Fanning. “It gave the public a choice on who they wanted to see which really was a first for surfing. It was such an exciting event with the world’s best going for huge moves in big surf. I know the guys will have some exciting things planned this year and can’t wait to see who will make the cut.”
Voting is open now. Go to (usopenofsurfing.com) now to pick your favorites.
About The U.S. Open of Surfing
Staged at the famed Huntington Beach Pier July 31 to August 8, 2010, the U.S. Open is the world’s largest professional surfing competition, and hosts hundreds of world-class athletes along with skateboarding, BMX, music, fashion and youth culture. Boasting a rich history dating back to 1959, the massive event boasts North America’s only combined ASP Men’s Prime and Women’s Six-Star-rated events and is a pivotal point on the ASP World Tour. More information is available at usopenofsurfing.com
About World Professional Surfers (WPS)
World Professional Surfers (WPS) is the athletes’ union representing professional surfers themselves. The WPS was formed in 2001 to safeguard the surfers’ interests both during and after their surfing careers. All surfers on the World Tour are signatories of the organization and its media arm Worldprosurfers.com. The Worldprosurfers.com maxim is to deliver exclusive surfing coverage and innovative content, and to feature the latest news and footage in order to increase the connection between the pros and the public. The WPS also works to forge strong partnerships with surfing organizations, core and non-core industry, and all media in providing a clear, fresh and unified voice. www.worldprosufers.com
