The world comes to Southern California this summer for one of the top surf contests of the year, the U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach.

Among the contenders will be local men and women who have risen to the top of their sport, along with up-and-coming stars of the future. It is proof that Orange County has spawned another generation of great board riders.

The 3rd annual Orange County Surfer of the Year Awards – presented by the U.S. Open of Surfing - salutes your choice for the best of the best. The online poll pits the stars of the “Dream Tour” of the Association of Surfing Professionals against surfers who hope to move up to the World Tour. There are young women who can carve a wave as good as any guy, and longboarders who maneuver 9-foot boards as they do eloquent moves using classic style.

The hottest voting is often to pick the most popular of the next wave of surfers — the riders who mostly surf for the fun of it, or for their high school or surf team, with dreams of one day taking their place among the sport’s elite.

We are fortunate enough to live and surf among these top athletes - and while scoring the highest at a contest shows off their skills – we wanted a way to recognize those who connect with their community the most. Many of the nominees and fans get creative, using Facebook and Twitter to generate votes.

Then the frenzy of the balloting begins in July 5 and runs through July 30. It all culminates with an awards ceremony alongside legends who have had tremendous impact on the sport honored at the Surfers Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach at Huntington Surf and Sport on August 6.

View Contest Rules