HUNTINGTON BEACH : Surfing Fans Have a Swell Time at Beach Expo Opening

Wearing a backpack bulging with compact discs, magazines, buttons, posters and other giveaways, Mark Sprague, 14, admitted that had he dropped by the U.S. Open Beach Expo Fridayfor two reasons: “The free stuff and to meet girls.”

The Huntington Beach teen was one of thousands who attended the first day of the exposition, which features 80 booths promoting the surfing lifestyle.

The expo coincides with the U.S. Open of Surfing, an international competition that draws the world’s top surfers. Don Meek, executive director of the U.S. Open, said the expo is an added attraction.

“We’re always going to draw the hard-core fans,” Meek said. The expo, he said, is a way to appeal to those who may be more casual observers.

Stretching across the sand next to the pier, the expo’s booths feature everything from surfboards to suntan lotion, with company representatives staffing the exhibits to hand out free samples. A large stage was set up for performances by pop and alternative bands later in the day.

Among the most popular booths Friday were those for Rolling Stone magazine and KROQ-FM (106.7), both giving away promotional items. Other exhibits touted hair-care products, beach footwear and vacations in Mexico.

Surfboard shaper Gary Linden set up a factory of sorts to demonstrate the craft of surfboard production.

“We want to show them the labor involved,” Linden said. “It’s very labor-intensive. I hope to educate them and let them know what’s involved.”

Mary Jo Enyeart of Long Beach and her son, Scott, 13, said the expo helped to counter the negative image of Huntington Beach that lingered after Independence Day, when police clashed with merrymakers.

“I was kind of nervous coming because of the Fourth of July,” Enyeart said. “But everybody here is having a great time. I think it’s a neat place for young teens to hang out and have surfers as their role models.”

Her son was among the many fans who lined up for a noon autograph session with the pro surfers. “Mainly I want Kelly Slater’s because he’s the No. 1 surfer,” Scott said. “Everybody’s in line for Slater. I can put money on this one.”

Jessica Smith and Janet Huang of Costa Mesa, both 17, waited in the same line.

“When you watch them surf it’s one thing,” Huang said. “But when you meet them in real life, it’s, ‘Wow!’ ”

The free expo continues 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday. The surfing finals also are Sunday.