World's Largest Surfing Competition, world record in Huntington Beach, California

August 15, 2025

Huntington Beach, California, United States--The US Open of Surfing is made up of two competition divisions: the second stop of the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour and the fourth stop on the WSL Challenger Series; it sets the world record for being the World's Largest Surfing Competition, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

Photos: Facebook/US Open of Surfing

"The world's largest surfing competition is the US Open of Surfing held annually in Huntington Beach, California. It's a major event that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and features top surfers from around the globe. The competition includes both men's and women's divisions, as well as longboard events.

"Here's more detail about the US Open of Surfing:

Location: Huntington Beach, also known as "Surf City USA".
Duration: It's a nine-day event.
Features: Besides world-class surfing, the event includes product demos, live music, and other attractions.
Free to attend: The competition is open to the public and free to watch.
Focus: The event showcases both Challenger Series divisions for men and women and two longboard tour events for men and women, according to the World Surf League.

"Some of the best surfers in the world will ride the waves of Huntington Beach as the Lexus U.S. Open of Surfing 2025 takes over "Surf City USA." Malia Ilagan qualified to compete in the World Surfing League's longboard division of the competition," the ABC 7 reports.

"This largest surf competition in the world is expected to bring in up to 450,000 visitors to the city over the nine-day event which begins on Saturday. The south side of the Huntington Beach Pier will also host motocross shows and sunset music concerts.

"Everyone comes from everywhere and all shows up to the beach. Gorgeous weather, cool booths to come check out so I think it's a good environment just for people to come and watch. Even if they're not watching surfing," said Reid Van Wagoner, who is competing in the WSL Challenger Series. She has her eyes set on the prize."

"The U.S. Open of Surfing is a week-long surfing competition held annually during the summer in Huntington Beach, California. Generally held on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier, the U.S.

"Open is part of the qualification process for the World Surf League and is a WSL QS 10,000 event. It is the largest surfing competition in the world. It has been owned by IMG since 2000.

"As part of the event, notable people in the world of surfing are added to the Surfing Walk of Fame and to the Surfers' Hall of Fame, both directly across from the pier." (Wikipedia)

"The U.S. Open, then called the West Coast Surfing Championship, was first held in 1959. In 1964 it became known as the United States Surfing Championships. In 1982 it became known as the OP Pro for its sponsor, Ocean Pacific. The event was renamed the U.S. Open of Surfing in 1994.

The contest was traditionally held during Labor Day weekend. The event was changed to an earlier date following the 1986 event when riots occurred at the OP Pro.

Rioting again marred the 2013 U.S. Open. On the final day of the event, as the crowds left the contest area and filled Main Street, a civil disturbance erupted, resulting in property damage and several arrests and some injuries.[9] As a result, the event owner IMG stated that in 2014 it will discontinue events such as free concerts and focus more on the sport.

Spending at the nine-day event adds $21.5 million to the Orange County economy and $16.4 million in Huntington Beach. It is attended by nearly 500,000 people. (Wikipedia)

"The US Open of Surfing is the world's largest surf competition. The event is made up of two competition divisions: the second stop of the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour and the fourth stop on the WSL Challenger Series," the surfcityusa.com says.

"This year's festivities will include world-class surfing, Motorcross Shows, and live music at the WSL Beach Bar stage. Head down to the beach to enjoy food and drink and product demos featuring prizes and games from your favorite action sport industry brands. Featured activities will movie screenings, iHeart DJs, live art demos, and signings from your favorite athletes.

"The event is free to the public with a large event footprint south of the Huntington Beach Pier."

"This legendary event, rooted in the original West Coast Surfing Championship of 1959, remains the one of the largest surfing competitions in the world today. As part of the World Surf League tour, from July 26 to August 3, surfers battle it out for crucial ranking points. Expect to see top longboard and shortboard athletes carving waves just south of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier," thehuntingtonbeachca.gov says.

"But it’s not just about surf. Attendees can enjoy live music stages on the sand, browse a bustling expo of surf and skate brands, sample street eats, and catch Nitro Circus demonstrations on opening weekend.

"An exciting addition to the 2025 event is Sundown Sets, with Common Kings, Chevy Metal, Yolanda Be Cool, and The Alive taking the Beach Bar stage at golden hour. Tickets are available for purchase on the US Open website. Admission to the US Open village remains completely free, making this a must-visit event for families, long-time surf fans, and summertime tourists alike."