HUNTINGTON BEACH : Merchants Await Swell of Tourists

More than 300,000 surfing fans will hit the beach here in the next two weeks, and Surf City merchants are standing by to ring up profits from two back-to-back competitions.

The Op Pro Surfing Championship starts Monday, followed by the U.S. Open of Surfing on Aug. 1.

The two events, which feature the world’s top male and female surfers, “give local business a big boost,” said Diane Baker, president of Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau.

Baker said businesses are eager to catch a wave of sales as surfers and fans spend money on food, hotel rooms, transportation, entertainment and souvenirs. The typical day-tripper spends $46 to $76, she said, while people who stay overnight spend an average of $156.

Community Services Director Ron Hagan said that being the host city for the surfing competitions--the 14th year for Op Pro and the second year for the U.S. Open--also boosts community pride and brings international recognition.

Mayor Victor Leipzig said that about a third of the city’s revenue is tourist generated: about $30 million a year from parking fees, sales tax and hotel taxes.

“There are a lot of people who come for several days,” he said. “It’s a very significant tourist event for Huntington Beach.”