On approach the white topped tents and scaffolding of the US Open of Surfing venue looks like a Bedouin encampment rising out of the dusty sand expanse of Huntington Beach. But on closer inspection it becomes obvious that it is more like of an action sports Bartertow,n with booth after booth of excited merchants pressing products on Southern California’s trend-setting youth.
While the crowds today were nothing like they’ll be this Saturday and Sunday it is obvious that the popularity of Southern California action sports as spectacle is not fading in the least. Follow the jump for all the photos (click them to see them full size).
The center of the venue is comprised of the Transworld Jungle Village. On Saturday there will be very little room to walk on this stretch of sand.
Title sponsor Go211.com had a large presence, however, no one we talked to can say exactly what they’re about aside from their live webcast which you must register for before viewing. Hey, maybe they’re collecting names to sell to advertisers?
Stalag Red Bull. The chainlink fences kept us out of this plush “athlete lounge.”
The Huntington Beach billboard.
Quite a few people actually watch the surfing. Even during the round of 96.
Current Women’s Tour leader Sofia Mulanovich.
And, of course, the Soul Bowl is back.
The little girls understand all about marketing and will stand inline to get logo spray painted onto their skin.
Snappy cam surf shots rule.
The Supergirl Jam setup. That’s a snow rail on the other side of the street course.
