Vans, title sponsor of the US Open of Surfing since 2013, isn’t renewing for 2023, which means big changes ahead for what’s considered one of the largest action sports events in the world.
The Costa Mesa-brand had skipped sponsoring the event in Huntington Beach in 2021, citing lingering coronavirus concerns – the US Open was canceled in 2020 and was greatly reduced the next year – but Vans returned for 2022, and the mega event returned to its full slate of surfing, skate and BMX competition and a festival on the sand.
“The decision to not renew our title sponsorship of the US Open of Surf comes as we look to prioritize several of our owned events, activations and contests, including the House of Vans brand platform, as well as the Vans Showdown and Block Party in skate and the Vans Pipe Masters and the Duct Tape Festival in surf, and more,” company officials said in a statement. “This decision allows Vans to lead from the front across our core brand pillars of action sports, music, art and design.”
World Surf League officials said they still plan on holding the premium men’s and women’s Challenger Series surf contest this summer in Huntington Beach, though dates have yet to be announced. It typically runs the last week in July and into the first week of August.
The future of the festival elements the US Open of Surfing is known for, such as the skate and BMX competitions and booths on the sand, is unknown.
“IMG and the World Surf League are excited to open up a new chapter for the US Open of Surfing. As one of the largest surfing festivals in the world, fans can expect a fresh approach to the event they know and love as we bring back the WSL Challenger Series and combine this with community-focused activities and beachside entertainment,” the event’s owners and the surf competition organizers said in a joint statement.
“The US Open of Surfing has a long history of title partners who we are grateful to for helping shape the path…
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