Pictures from last year’s U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA by Label Networks

Last summer when we covered the U.S. Open of Surfing, it was clear that Nike pulled-out all the stops to promote their trilogy of brands in surf, including Hurley, Nike, and Converse, not only just through the surfing event, but with BMX competitions and other activities. According to a recent press release by IMG Action Sports, Nike has signed a multi-year agreement with the U.S. Open of Surfing, one of the most popular surfing events in the world, attracting an estimated 500,000 last year, and embedding itself into surf culture for the future.

The U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, CA will take place July 31 through August 8, 2010. Below is the press release.

To get an idea of what went down last year, including all of the sponsorship activities, read our story.


Hurley-ness…

Press Release: “HUNTINGTON BEACH and LOS ANGELES, Calif. %u2013 April 6, 2010 %u2013 IMG Action Sports today announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with NIKE, Inc. for the prestigious U.S. Open of Surfing, www.usopenofsurfing.com, staged July 31 to August 8 in Huntington Beach, California. Building upon last year’s historic event that showcased epic waves, 500,000 fans and record prize money, the dynamic relationship integrates NIKE, Inc. brands Hurley, Nike 6.0 and Converse and the sports of surf, skate and BMX into the U.S. Open to create one of the largest and most innovative properties in action sports.

“As we saw last year, there’s no better ‘surf stadium’ than Huntington Beach,” says Bob Hurley, Hurley Founder and Chairman. “We’re always looking to improve the experience both in the water and on the sand, and we’re excited to continue working with Nike 6.0 and Converse to help make that happen in 2010 and beyond.”

The U.S. Open of Surfing is owned and produced by IMG Action Sports, a division of IMG Worldwide; the premier global sports, entertainment and media company. Founded in 1994, the U.S. Open is the world’s largest professional surfing competition, and hosts hundreds of world-class athletes along with music, fashion and youth culture. Boasting a rich history dating back to 1959, the massive event boasts North America’s only combined six-star World Qualifying Series (WQS)-rated men’s and women’s events and is a pivotal point on the ASP World Tour. The 12 acre festival is held adjacent to the famed pier.

“Last year’s relationship with Hurley, Nike 6.0 and Converse provided a glimpse of the U.S. Open of Surfing’s true potential,” said James Leitz, IMG Action Sports SVP. “The NIKE, Inc. action sports family raised the bar in all areas and continues an aggressive push towards excellence in 2010.”

“Some of our best creative work comes out of the collaboration of our three brands,” said Sandy Bodecker, Vice President of Global Design and Action Sports for NIKE, Inc. “Our goal is to help transform the U.S. Open into one of the most exciting sporting moments of the summer.”