The countdown is OVER! Tomorrow marks the beginning of what promises to be the most electrifying nine days in surfing as the Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico transforms Huntington Beach into the epicenter of world-class wave riding action!
From Saturday, July 26, through Sunday, August 3, Surf City USA will witness history in the making as the world’s elite longboarders kick off their 2025 season chase for glory, while Championship Tour qualification hopefuls battle for their professional surfing dreams at the legendary Huntington Beach Pier.
Longboard Legends Ready to Dominate Opening Day! 🏄♀️
The 2025 WSL Longboard Tour season begins with absolute FIRE as defending champions Rachael Tilly and Taylor Jensen return to the scene of their incredible 2024 triumphs, looking to recreate that magical Southern California sweep that captivated the surfing world!

The Defending Champions Are Back and Hungry!
Rachael Tilly’s emotional journey continues as she returns as the reigning World Longboard Champion to defend her US Open crown. Her 2024 victory, dedicated to the late Gretchen Harris – a beloved figure in the longboarding community – was nothing short of inspirational.
“This event is always special because the US Open is at home in Southern California. I grew up surfing all the amateur events there, going to the event during school and seeing all the surfers and getting star-struck,” Tilly shared. “Outside of another World Title, if there was one event I wanted to win, it was that, so to get both in the same year was amazing.”
The pressure is real, but as Tilly puts it perfectly: “Pressure is a privilege!”
Taylor Jensen, the 41-year-old longboard legend, isn’t slowing down one bit! With four World Longboard Titles under his belt (joining his father-in-law Nat Young in the exclusive four-title club), Jensen is ready to prove that age is just a number when you’ve got that championship flow.
“This event is so epic. It’s almost like an amphitheater the way it’s set up and just such a cool environment for us,” Jensen explained. “I just want to double down on what I did last year. I seemed to find that good headspace and flow easily throughout the year.”
Star-Studded Longboard Lineup Ready to Steal the Show! ⭐
The competition is absolutely STACKED with longboard royalty:
The Champions Circle
- Kaniela Stewart (HAW) – Former event winner bringing Hawaiian power
- Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) – Two-time winner with unmatched style
- Kai Sallas (HAW) – 2023 World Longboard Champion ready to reclaim glory
- Honolua Blomfield (HAW) – Three-time World Champion with legendary status
- Soleil Errico (USA) – Three-time World Champion representing American excellence
This elite field of proven WSL Longboard Tour veterans and hungry rookies will showcase the absolute pinnacle of longboard surfing – from world-class footwork to nose-riding mastery, all flowing through Huntington Beach’s perfect lineup!
Championship Tour Dreams on the Line! 🏆
The action intensifies on July 30 when the Challenger Series takes center stage for Stop No. 3 of the CT qualification race! This is where surfing dreams are made or broken, and the stakes couldn’t be higher!
Defending Champions Return with Vengeance
- Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) – Two-time US Open winner chasing HISTORIC third title
- Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX) – 2024 champion ready to defend his crown

Current Challenger Series Leaders Ready to Strike
The leaderboard is loaded with talent:
- Jacob Willcox (AUS) – Current No. 1 men’s contender
- Francisca Veselko (POR) – Leading the women’s charge
Southern California’s Finest Ready to Shine at Home
The local contingent is FIRED UP:
- Nolan Rapoza – SoCal’s golden boy
- Kirra Pinkerton – Rising star with Championship Tour dreams
- Kade Matson – Local hero ready for breakthrough
- Alyssa Spencer – Huntington Beach native with serious skills
- Levi Slawson – Young gun with unlimited potential
Wildcard Excitement! 🃏
Former Championship Tour stars Julian Wilson (AUS) and Kolohe Andino (USA)return as wildcards, bringing their elite experience to shake up the qualification race! Plus, rising talents Eden Walla and Julian Williams are ready to make their mark among the world’s top contenders!
Beyond the Waves: Festival Atmosphere Like No Other! 🎉
The Lexus US Open isn’t just about world-class surfing – it’s a full-blown festival experience that’ll blow your mind!
Opening Weekend Extravaganza
Lexus House offers premium viewing with:
- Championship Tour star Griffin Colapinto autograph signing
- Lexus Culinary Masters-inspired gourmet bites
- VIP viewing experience
High-Flying Action with NO CAP! Moto Show
Freestyle motocross legend and 16-time X Games medalist Jarryd McNeil & Friends will provide jaw-dropping aerial stunts that’ll have you questioning gravity!
Beach Bar Vibes for 21+ Crowd
Cold beers, mixed drinks, and the perfect viewing spot to soak in all the surfing action – what more could you want?
Live Music Lineup That’ll Keep You Dancing! 🎵
Opening Day Spectacular
Common Kings – Orange County’s reggae rock/pop sensations close out opening day with Sundown Sets!
Week-Long Musical Journey
- Reggae Sunday (July 27): Capital Dub, Lively Up, and Casey Smiles
- Mid-Week Madness: Chevy Metal / The Alive, Yolanda Be Cool, and Yachty by Nature
How to Catch Every Epic Moment! 📺
Don’t miss a single second of the action:
- LIVE Coverage: WorldSurfLeague.com and free WSL app
- Competition Window: July 26 – August 3, 2025
- Location: Huntington Beach Pier, California
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher! 🔥
This isn’t just another surfing contest – this is where legends are born and dreams come true! With the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour season kicking off and Championship Tour qualification battles reaching a fever pitch, every wave counts, every maneuver matters, and every moment could change a surfer’s life forever!
The amphitheater-like setting of Huntington Beach Pier creates an electric atmosphere where fans become part of the action, cheering on their favorites as they chase glory in the California sunshine.
Mark Your Calendars – History Awaits! 📅
July 26-August 3, 2025 – Nine days that will define careers, crown champions, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re there in person soaking up the Surf City USA vibes or watching live from anywhere in the world, the Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico promises to deliver non-stop excitement!
From the graceful artistry of longboard legends to the high-performance intensity of Championship Tour hopefuls, this is surfing at its absolute finest. The stage is set, the waves are calling, and the world’s best are ready to answer!
Get ready for nine days of pure surfing magic – the Lexus US Open of Surfing is about to begin! 🌊🏄♂️
The future of professional surfing starts tomorrow at Huntington Beach. Don’t blink – you might miss history in the making!
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