With the historic U.S. Open of Surfing taking place this week, Huntington Beach has decided to put on its best face. As it has done so, so has the wealth of surfing talent that have taken to the waves at the famed beach-break.

The glassy 3-5 ft. surf at Huntington has provided the perfect proving ground for those looking to become the 2008 U.S. Open of Surfing Champion. The list of past U.S. Open champions is as an impressive group as any, the likes of which include Andy Irons, Kelly Slater, Cory Lopez, Rob Machado, as well as so many other of surfing’s giants. Combine the legendary surfers who have won previously with a rich history that dates back to 1959, the U.S. Open of Surfing is a huge opportunity for any surfer looking to cement their status as one of the worlds top surfers. The competitors who throw their name in the U.S. Open hat realize that, and perhaps this is why we are witnessing some of the most highly-charged surfing in U.S. Open history

Heat of the day honors on Tuesday, went hands down to Jadson Andre(BRA) and Torrey Meister(HAW). Meister’s dropping of a combined 19.10 in his heat will be good for a win 99% of the time. However, Huntington and the Open competitors going off the way they are, it was only good enough for 2nd in the heat as Andre punted his way to a super impressive 19.23. “I think this is the best heat of my life,” Andre said. “I’m so happy right now. All of the guys in my heat surf so good. I just want to do my best in the rest of the contest.” Kona’s Meister still makes it through to the next round as the top two surfers in each heat advance, and was clearly stoked on being able to take part in the mind-blowing heat. “Andre was ripping,” Meister said. “The waves are firing right now, and this is about as good as Huntington gets, I think. This is the best I’ve surfed it.”

Other notables advancing include Julian Wilson, Dusty Payne. Timmy Reyes, Shane Beschen, Ian Walsh, Roy Powers, Jesse Merle-Jones, Kieran Horn….and many more of the world’s best surfers. Action continues Thursday with the Round of 96. The event will also be available to view via webcast beginning then. Be sure to check it out.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

Posted by Shaun on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 in Surfing.

• -Nathaniel Curran Wins U.S. Open of Surfing
• -Etnies Goofy vs. Regular Hits the Snow
• -Is Surfing Afflicted?
• -Jon Olsson and Simon Dumont Team Up to Redefine Ski Competitions
• -North American Open is Under Way