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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
KPCC Archive

How this year's US Open of Surfing will be different

By  Shirley Jahad
Published Jul 25, 2014 5:30 AM
Listen • 4:06
Daniel Lopez checks the surf at Huntington Beach. The scaled-down U.S. Open of Surfing set to start this weekend is a good thing, Lopez said. The event will return to the roots of the contest, which should be about surfing instead of a raging party, he said.
Daniel Lopez checks the surf at Huntington Beach. The scaled-down U.S. Open of Surfing set to start this weekend is a good thing, Lopez said. The event will return to the roots of the contest, which should be about surfing instead of a raging party, he said.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)
A sign with "riot proof" inside the Easyrider bike shop on Main Street in Huntington Beach references last year's disturbance during the U.S. Open of Surfing, which resulted in people looting the store. This year the event is scaled down to prevent rowdy crowds from getting out of control.
A sign with "riot proof" inside the Easyrider bike shop on Main Street in Huntington Beach references last year's disturbance during the U.S. Open of Surfing, which resulted in people looting the store. This year the event is scaled down to prevent rowdy crowds from getting out of control.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)
People walk under the Huntington Beach pier on a recent afternoon. The U.S. Open of Surfing begins this weekend with city officials promising a safe event after disturbances last year resulted in damage to storefronts and 12 arrests.
People walk under the Huntington Beach pier on a recent afternoon. The U.S. Open of Surfing begins this weekend with city officials promising a safe event after disturbances last year resulted in damage to storefronts and 12 arrests.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)
Huntington Beach is busy with beachgoers on a recent afternoon. The beach will host the U.S. Open of Surfing starting Saturday.
Huntington Beach is busy with beachgoers on a recent afternoon. The beach will host the U.S. Open of Surfing starting Saturday.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)
Customers peruse items inside Jack's Surfboards in Huntington Beach ahead of the U.S. Open of Surfing. Last year people vandalized the store after a crowd got out of hand and police arrested 12 people.
Customers peruse items inside Jack's Surfboards in Huntington Beach ahead of the U.S. Open of Surfing. Last year people vandalized the store after a crowd got out of hand and police arrested 12 people.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)
Crews erect the stands for for spectators to watch the U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, which begins this weekend.
Crews erect the stands for for spectators to watch the U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, which begins this weekend.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)
A surfer walks under the Huntington Beach pier to catch some waves ahead of the U.S. Open of Surfing, which begins this weekend.
A surfer walks under the Huntington Beach pier to catch some waves ahead of the U.S. Open of Surfing, which begins this weekend.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)
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The U.S. Open of Surfing begins Saturday in Huntington Beach. The eight-day event brings surfers from around the world to compete in the waves off "Surf City U.S.A." It also brings throngs of spectators.

More than 20 people were arrested at the conclusion of last year's event after fighting broke out in the Huntington Beach business district as masses of people departed the beach. Windows were smashed, portable toilets were toppled and trash rained down on responding riot police from more than a dozen agencies. 

To avoid a repeat of last year, organizers and police have made the following changes:

No alcohol: No beer or other alcoholic beverages will be sold at the event's concessions. The "vendor village" itself will also be smaller than in years past.

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Bigger fines: Fines for open alcohol have been doubled to $250.

No music: The bands and live music that serenaded visitors and competitors alike in previous years will no longer be present.

More security: More police on horseback and bikes will be on hand; an expanded system of surveillance cameras has been installed. And bags, coolers and backpacks will be searched.

Competitions in skateboarding and BMX cycling will also be held. For event and visitor info, check out the U.S. Open of Surfing website.

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