I spent yesterday at the U.S. Surf Open in Huntington Beach, Calif., the original Surf City. The swells were great. The athletes were jaw dropping. I have sand in the binding of my notebook and too much sun on my shoulders. Another perfect day in Southern California.
Pro surfer exits the water after the first heat in the women's quarterfinals. The women's championship purse was $35,000.
More photos after the jump!
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Pro surfer exits the water after the first heat in the women’s quarterfinals. The women’s championship purse was $35,000.
Personal water craft with sleds attached to the back wait for surfers to ride a wave and then drive them back into the swells. Less paddling means more waves per heat.
Beautiful waves and a tide that kept pushing in, leaving less and less beach for spectators.
Huntington Beach Pier outfitted with a big screen for replays, along with as many ads as would fit.
Crowds filled the grandstands and the beach. The men’s championship purse was $100,000.
