The 2012 US Open of Surfing has begun. In fact, we're writing this to you from the beach. Like, computers, internet, desks — the whole kit and caboodle down here on the sand. But that's just the boring stuff. What you really should know is that about 200 yards from where we are now, the world's best surfers are working their way through the initial rounds in fun, waist-high surf, thousands of people are pledging to be water activists at the new and improved H2O booth and a winding line is going into the brand experience where tons of people are designing their own Phantom Create boardshorts (and hoping that you'll vote on them and help them win their pair — do that here). If you're in California (or the surrounding states or can afford a plane ticket, like hitch hiking and/or long distance walks, etc…) we advise you get down here for all the fun. But if you won't be joining us, feel free to keep up on all goings on on any or all of these channels: Facebook.com/hurley, Instagram (@hurley_clothing and @hurley_girls), Twitter (@hurley and @hurley_girls), Pinterest and of course right here on the blog.
We know the days during the US Open of Surfing are jam packed — but what about your nights? Come celebrate the innovation and art that is Phantom Fuse, next Tuesday in our H-space gallery at Hurley HQ from 6 - 9 pm. And for now, press play to see H-space come alive with Fuse.
It may be all pistols firing on US Open of Surfing right now, but let's not forget about our other favorite event, the Hurley Pro at Lowers — coming to a webcast near you starting September 16, 2012.
The US Open of Surfing is almost here – like it's in eight days, almost here. We've made the jerseys, the bleachers are up, and the world's best are all making their way to surfing's most exciting arena, Huntington Beach – which happens to be our own backyard. All of the US Open product is available online to help you get in the spirit. So all you super fans, go get your gear now.
On Saturday, July 7, Hurley riders Jesse Billauer, Bob Burnquist, and Jay Adams helped out at Life Rolls On’s They Will Skate Again Shoe City Open at the Venice Skate Park. The program empowers paraplegics, quadriplegics and amputees to experience the thrill and mobility of skating. Fifty-four skaters from throughout the country as well as Canada, Germany and Australia, were treated to an adaptive skate clinic, pro skate exhibition, interactive vendor village and adaptive skate competition, which featured a $10,000 purse and Hurley prize packages. Founded by Jesse Billauer, Life Rolls On is a non-profit organization and the official charity of the Nike US Open of Surfing, that Hurley has made a point of supporting and maintaining a relationship with over the years.
The US Open of Surfing isn't just about surf. There's the Coastal Carnage skate bowl, all-time people watching, a lot of body paint and most importantly, everyone's favorite free concert — which takes place right on the sand. And if that opening sentence didn't get you excited enough, the lineup is sure to take care of that. Best Coast, Grouplove and TV on the Radio will be headlining this year's stage, along with some amazing opening acts. Can't make it to the beach this August? Don't fret, all shows will be streamed live at usopenofsurfing.com. We can't wait! Because dance parties are good — but they're better on the beach. Keep reading for the full lineup so you can plan your days accordingly.
You may have heard the whispers. Caught wind of a muttered parking lot conversation. Heard of something new on the surf media horizon. Well, look not at the horizon, young surf enthusiast, for it has arrived. What Youth is here. Their site is up and running and pumping out the goods. It's surf, it's life on the run, it's story telling and most importantly it's "the triumphant return of fun". On top of all that, What Youth is producing Dear Suburbia, Kai Neville's latest, which will premiere at the US Open of Surfing (come party with us!), the first issue of their quarterly magazine comes out in June and Conner Coffin, Yadin Nicol and Evan Gesielman are all part of the crew. You see, What Youth is important, so chuck it up there on that bookmark bar, and stay tuned for more.
Kai Neville, maker of game-changing surf films, is at it once again with Dear Suburbia. Produced by new media venture What Youth and founding member Neville, Dear Suburbia is set to premiere in August during the US Open of Surfing. Until then, enjoy this first in a series of prequels shot in Japan featuring Conner Coffin and Yadin Nicol among others. Says Conner of the trip: "Japan was one of the best trips I've ever been on. It was a really good crew and super cultural experience. The waves we scored were a bonus!" Watch the prequel at whatyouth.com.
Hurley would like to welcome Jesse Billauer to the family! His love for life is palpable, his energy, amazing to be around, and his life story, powerful. At age 17 a surfing accident rendered him a quadriplegic, putting an end to his successful pro career. And while most people would let this be their demise, Jesse did the opposite and remained positive, helping change lives in the process. Jesse became an inspirational speaker and founded Life Rolls On, an organization that takes disabled people surfing. We chatted with Jesse, heard about his recent surf trip to Morocco and about his love for poker. Get to know Jesse by clicking through to the full story. Visit JesseBillauer.com for more info.
From the wordsmiths over at Stab Magazine: Beau Foster is a lanky elf, handsome in a boyish way and with an on-wave style that your pals at Stab dig. Kid was running wild in the States for some time over the last coupla months (at the US Open of Surfing, among other things) and returned home to Oz recently. He met up with blogger pal Cooper Chapman (CABB – Cooper and Beau Blog) down at Whale Beach to score some fun lefts. If digging the framing of this shot is a crime, then guilty as charged. Check the Full Frame over at stabmag.com.
