Joe Surf: Tips to enjoy world’s top surfing event

The Vans U.S. Open of Surfing at the Huntington Beach Pier is just around the corner (July 25 to Aug. 2), and as we all know, it can be something that’s difficult to navigate. It’s the biggest surfing event in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world.

So finding parking, getting something to eat, or just getting from Point A to Point B can be a chore. So here’s a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” to help make your experience a positive one:

Do: Get there early. Parking is easier, the waves are better, the partyers are still in bed. In fact, if you have a truck, throw your bicycle in the back and park in the numbered streets north of the pier, maybe even north of 17th Street. Hop on and ride to the pier, and don’t forget to lock it up.

Don’t: Write messages on your body, like “free hugs.” Really, it’s not cool.

Do: Actually watch some surfing. It’s amazing to think that so many, maybe even most, never do when they’re here. The best surfers in the world are in the water. For a great view, watch from the pier. You’ll have to get there early to get a spot on the rail for the heats with some of the big names.

Don’t: Spend too much time waiting in line. There will be plenty of freebies being offered, and who doesn’t like getting something for free? But it’s not worth standing in the hot sun on dry sand for half an hour.

Do: Know the schedule of events. Figure out what you want to see and plan accordingly. Besides the world-class surfing, the Van Doren Invitational Skate and Van Doren Invitational BMX will feature some of the world’s best in their respective sports. Like Surfline says, “Know before you go.”

Don’t: Forget water and sunscreen. Sounds like a no-brainer, but there’s always someone who passes out from heatstroke. Don’t be that guy.

Do: Hang out under the pier at the water’s edge when the big names are getting ready for their heats. There aren’t many, if any, sports where someone like Kelly Slater will warm up and stretch out within a few feet of you when they’re getting ready to compete. It would be like sitting in the grass near Mike Trout as he took a few cuts in the on-deck circle at Angel Stadium.

Don’t: Bring weapons of any kind, alcoholic beverages, pets, controlled substances, beach toys (footballs and Frisbees), or a bad attitude. (Straight from the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing website). Seems reasonable.

Do: Pray to the Big Kahuna in the Sky for an offshore storm to create some big waves. Big waves will help put the focus of the whole event on the surfing, where it should be.

Don’t: Bury your head in your iPhone. Sure, go ahead and Instagram a few pics, but live in the moment. There’s your Joe Surf tip ‘o the day.

Do: Buy a U.S. Open of Surfing hat or shirt. Yeah, maybe they cost a little more than they should, but after all, it’s free to watch all of the surfing, skating and BMX.

Don’t: Forget to be respectful of the city, of the local merchants, and of your fellow surf/skate/BMX fan. It’s supposed to be a fun event, and that happens when we all are considerate of each other.

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Check out the new talent

There are always good, young surfers emerging at the Open, and that includes last year’s men’s and women’s main event winners Filipe Toledo and Tyler Wright, ages 19 and 20, respectively, when they won.

An H.B. local to keep an eye on this year, and from now on for that matter, is 17-year-old Kanoa Igarashi. He competed in both the Men’s Main Event and Men’s Juniors last year, and nearly snuck up on the big name pros in the Main Event.

Igarashi reached Round 4 before losing by just a half-point in his heat to qualify for Round 5. He’s got the home break advantage working for him as well as another full year of surfing on the big stage.

JOE HAAKENSON is a Huntington Beach-based sports writer and editor. He may be reached at [email protected].