Each summer just when it appears that the crowds in Huntington Beach, California can’t get any larger or the sand burn much hotter in roll 400,000 people for the US Open of Surfing–the largest surfing event in the world. Running all this week (July 18-26, 2009), the event will feature what the LA Times is calling “the richest prize in competitive surfing history.” The first place pay is only $20,000, but Hurley is throwing in an extra $80,000 bringing the total men’s first prize to $100,000.
After having watched street skater Chris Cole pull down $100,000 and vert skater PLG pull in $75,000 at last week’s Maloof Money Cup, it’s kind of sad that $100,000 is still such a big deal in professional surfing. But whoever wins the mens certainly won’t be complaining about anything.
In the women’s event it may be a different story. Featuring Stephanie Gilmore, Sofia Mulanovich, and eight of the top 10 from the ASP World Tour, the women’s event will pay out a $4,500 first place prize. Anyone want to kick in any extra cash for the girls? We thought not.
Click here for for the complete 2009 Hurley US Open schedule of the events.
[Link: Hurley US Open of Surfing and LA Times]
