Ride the Wave: The US Open of Surfing Comes to Huntington Beach—Powered by Passion and Great Coffee!
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Every summer, Huntington Beach transforms into the center of the surfing world. Known as Surf City USA, the iconic Southern California destination welcomes thousands of athletes, spectators, and beach lovers for one of the sport's most prestigious events—the Lexus US Open of Surfing.
Running July 25 through August 2, this year's event features the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series and World Longboard Tour, bringing together some of the world's best surfers as they compete for points, prestige, and a chance to climb the professional ranks. Best of all, the event is free and open to the public, making it one of Orange County's premier summer traditions.
A Brief History of the US Open of Surfing
The US Open of Surfing traces its roots back to 1959, when it began as the West Coast Surfing Championship. Over the decades, it evolved into an international spectacle and has become one of the largest surfing competitions in the world. Today, Huntington Beach hosts elite surfers from every corner of the globe while celebrating surf culture through live music, local vendors, beach activities, and community events.
For Huntington Beach, the event isn't just a competition—it's part of the city's identity.
New to Surfing? Here's What's Happening Out There
If you've ever watched a surfing competition and wondered what the judges are looking for, you're not alone.
Unlike racing sports, surfing is judged on performance, not speed.
Each surfer paddles into the lineup waiting for the perfect wave. During their heat, they'll attempt to catch the best waves available while showcasing a combination of:
- Commitment and degree of difficulty
- Innovative and progressive maneuvers
- Variety of tricks and turns
- Speed, power, and flow
- Overall control from start to finish
Every wave receives a score between 0 and 10, and only a surfer's two highest-scoring waves count toward their final total. Strategy matters just as much as skill—choosing the right wave at the right time can be the difference between advancing and going home.
Even if you've never surfed before, you'll quickly notice that every ride tells a different story.
From California to Colombia: Two Coasts Connected by the Ocean
At Tinto de Oro, watching surfers chase waves always reminds us of another coastline we hold close to our hearts—Colombia.
Many people know Colombia for its mountains and coffee farms, but it's also blessed with over 1,900 miles of coastline stretching along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Hidden among those shores are incredible surf destinations like Nuquí, El Valle, Termales, and Playa Guachalito on the Pacific, along with Caribbean favorites such as Costeño Beach and Mendihuaca near Santa Marta.
While California surfers paddle into crisp Pacific waters, Colombian surfers enjoy tropical swells framed by lush rainforests, palm trees, and vibrant coastal communities.
Different coastlines. Same passion.
Every Great Session Starts with Great Coffee
Ask any early-morning surfer what gets them moving before sunrise, and chances are coffee is part of the answer.
There's something timeless about watching the sun rise over the ocean with a warm cup in hand before heading into the water.
For us, that coffee starts thousands of miles away in the Colombian Andes, where high elevations, volcanic soil, and careful cultivation create the rich flavors that eventually make their way into every bag of Tinto de Oro.
Whether you're heading out to catch your first wave, cheering from the sand at Huntington Beach, or simply enjoying a peaceful morning at home, great coffee has a way of slowing life down just enough to appreciate the moment.
Experience Surf Season with Tinto de Oro
If you're visiting the US Open of Surfing this week, take a moment to appreciate more than the competition. Notice the patience between sets, the discipline behind every maneuver, and the community that gathers around the ocean.
Then, bring that same spirit home with a fresh cup of authentic Colombian coffee.
From the mountains of Colombia to the beaches of California, excellence begins long before the moment everyone sees.
From the Andes to your cup.
Tinto de Oro.