Photos: U.S. Open of Surfing preparations are underway in Huntington Beach

A surfer heads in at sunset as crews prepare for the U.S. Open of Surfing that starts Friday.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A surfer practices at sunset. Huntington Beach city officials have worked with organizers of the U.S. Open of Surfing to ensure a safe event. Last year, windows in the city were broken and 12 people were taken into custody.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A surfer walks past a giant Vans store as crews prepare for the U.S. Open of Surfing that starts Friday at the Huntington Beach Pier.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Zio Ziegler paints a mural at the Van Doren Invitational Skate Bowl site.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Bob LaSalle of Vans erects banners as crews prepare for the U.S. Open of Surfing that starts Friday.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Pier walkers watch surfers and beachgoers as crews prepare for the U.S. Open of Surfing that starts Friday at the Huntington Beach Pier.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Surfers head in at sunset as crews prepare for the U.S. Open of Surfing that starts Friday at the Huntington Beach Pier.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)