News Summary
The highly anticipated U.S. Open of Surfing has been cancelled due to poor wave conditions. Despite initial excitement for surf competitions, organizers made the decision at 8:30 a.m. due to small and inconsistent waves measuring just 1-2 feet. Safety concerns related to a tsunami warning from a recent earthquake were clarified to be unrelated to the event’s cancellation. However, festival activities remain vibrant along the beach for locals and visitors, while hopes for improved surf conditions linger.
Surf’s Out in Huntington Beach: U.S. Open Cancelled!
Huntington Beach was buzzing with excitement for the annual U.S. Open of Surfing, but a rather unexpected twist dashed all those surf dreams. On Wednesday morning, it was announced that the event was officially cancelled due to small and inconsistent wave conditions. Talk about a bummer!
Wave Watch: What’s Happening at the Pier?
Surf enthusiasts eagerly awaited the start of the men’s competition, set to kick off with a round of 80 participants, while the women were ready to dive into their round of 48. However, waves at the south side of Huntington Beach Pier were barely making a splash, measuring a mere 1-2 feet. It’s hard to catch a sweet ride in such conditions, which ultimately led to the cancellation decision being made around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Tsunami Concerns? Not So Fast!
There was some tension in the air as a tsunami warning was in effect due to an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit off the coast of Russia. Despite the eerie vibes, organizers clarified that the cancellation of the surfing competition was not linked to this tsunami threat. Safety first, but surf conditions have a mind of their own!
Festival Fun Still On!
But don’t hang up those boards just yet! Even with the surf event on the backburner, the festival area and other activities along the beach remained alive and kickin’. So there are still plenty of things to do and see for locals and visitors alike. Just think of it as an opportunity to enjoy the beach without the crowds of surfers vying for waves.
Beach Buzz Continues with Pros and Predictions
Meanwhile, pro surfer Nolan Rapoza took to social media to share his thoughts, humorously noting that despite tsunami concerns, the ocean remained annoyingly flat. The beach had been closed overnight due to the tsunami alert but was reopened once the advisory was lifted early Wednesday morning. Surf conditions will be reassessed with hopes for a better report bright and early on Thursday at 6:30 a.m..
Room for Optimism: What’s Coming Up?
Looking ahead, excitement is brewing as predictions show that surf conditions could improve for the ongoing competitions. A mix of SSW swell and NW windswell is expected to deliver waist to shoulder-high waves, ideal for catching some epic rides. Water temperatures hovering around 65°F mean surfers are encouraged to gear up in a 2mm wetsuit to stay warm and ready.
Weather Watch: Wind and Waves
As for the wind, it started off light and variable but is expected to pick up to moderate WNW winds in the afternoon. Later in the day, lighter winds are anticipated, although there might not be a totally smooth session to wrap up the evening.
Longboard Legends Shine
On a positive note, the longboard contest that completed on Tuesday brought some thrilling upsets, with Avalon Gall from Laguna Beach and Kai Ellice-Flint from Australia showcasing their talent and winning top titles. Local heroes shining bright even in challenging conditions!
Staying Tuned: The Surf Outlook
As surf fans and competitors keep a close eye on the ocean for tomorrow’s competition, many are hoping for prime conditions to hit the waves and for the thrill of competitive surfing to fill the air once again. After all, what’s a beach day without some catching waves? Here’s to crossing our fingers for smoother swells on the horizon!
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Additional Resources
- LAist: U.S. Open of Surfing Cancelled!
- Google Search: U.S. Open of Surfing
- SI: Huntington Beach Kicks Off Surfing Competition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
- OC Register: U.S. Open of Surfing Activities
- Google News: Huntington Beach
- KTLA: U.S. Open of Surfing Returns
- Secret Los Angeles: U.S. Open of Surfing
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
