US Open of Surfing 2026 Kicks Off with Elite Longboard Competition in Huntington Beach The first day of the World Surf League's US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach saw top longboarders from around the globe, including multiple world champions, compete under sunny skies. The event captured the vibrant surf culture with fans and participants alike celebrating the sport's laid-back lifestyle. The US Open of Surfing, hosted by the World Surf League, kicked off its first day of competition in Huntington Beach on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The event, centered around the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, featured a vibrant atmosphere with both seasoned champions and emerging talent competing in the longboard division. Among the notable competitors were multiple world champions including Honolua Blomfield of Hawaii, who holds three World Longboard Championship titles, and Rachael Tilly of San Clemente, a two-time world champion, both showcasing their skills in the women's event.On the men's side, Taylor Jensen of Oceanside, a four-time world longboard champion, was seen competing alongside international participants such as Rogelio Esquievel from the Philippines and António Dantas from Portugal. Local Southern California surfers were also prominently featured, with Kevin Skvarna of San Juan Capistrano and Tommy Coleman of San Clemente participating in various heats. The competition included dramatic moments, such as Blomfield skillfully navigating waves near the pier structure, an act often described as 'shooting the pier.' Spectators and fans enjoyed the sunny beach setting, with many, like longtime attendee Roger Jenkins, emphasizing the enduring appeal of the sport's free-spirited lifestyle, the ocean, and the sun. The first day's action set the stage for a week of elite surfing in one of the sport's most celebrated venues