Spotlight back on Surf City for 2019 U.S. Open of Surfing

The Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, considered one of the largest surfing and action sports competitions in the world, has descended on Huntington Beach. The nine-day event, which features BMX and skateboarding competitions, runs through Sunday.

Fans pose for photos in front of surfboards at the Harley-Davidson booth at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Two Southern California natives highlight the field of surfers hitting the waves near the Huntington Beach Pier: 2018 men’s champion Kanoa Igarashi of Huntington Beach and women’s champion Courtney Conlogue of Santa Ana.

BMX rider Koby Clayton, 7, of Brisbane, Australia, jumps his bike high over a jump during practice on the street course at the U.S. Open of Surfing.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

The U.S. Open of Surfing has been held annually since 1959 at Huntington Beach, a stretch of coastline known for its usually strong surf. This week’s forecast predicts average waves in the 2- to 4-foot range, with the possibility of bigger swells at the end of the competition Saturday and Sunday, according to surfline.com.