Press release:
Huntington Beach, CA (June 20, 2013) – Premiering as host of this summer’s Vans US Open of Surfing, Vans announces the debut of the Van Doren Invitational, a brand new invite-only bowl riding competition featuring the most diverse and talented crew of Pro and Amateur bowl riders ever assembled together in one place. Forty of the world’s best skateboarders, including Vans’ own bowl-riding phenom Pedro Barros, will battle it out on the sand in Huntington Beach on July 27 & 28 for their share of over $100,000 in prize money and top honors on the world’s largest stage for action sports.
The Van Doren Invitational will feature an organized jam format showcasing the best of the best and the best of the next including skateboarding legends like Steve Caballero and Christian Hosoi plus past Open champs Ben Raybourn and Raven Tershy, as well as up-and-comers Colin Provost and Greyson Fletcher. Fueled by the talent of top Vans Pro riders like Pedro Barros, Tony Trujillo and Curren Caples, competition is slated to hit an all-time high.
Befitting Vans’ authentic skate heritage, the inaugural Van Doren Invitational takes skateboarding at the Open to new levels by introducing Cardiel Cash for the gnarliest tricks of the weekend, as judged by Vans legend, John Cardiel. In the first-ever all cement bowl on the sand in Huntington Beach built by California Skateparks, the Vans Pro Bowl was inspired by and designed from the original bowl riders’ mecca, the legendary Skatepark du Prado bowl on the beach in Marseilles, France. Vans is also pleased to introduce the Van Doren Shop vs. Shop team battle and, as if that weren’t enough, Vans is deeply honored to bring back women’s skateboarding and BMX to the weeklong celebration of the world’s top action sports athletes.
“We’re very excited to follow the great tradition of the US Open of Surfing here in Huntington Beach. Supporting Vans’ heritage in skateboarding, the Van Doren Invitational will showcase the best skateboarders from around the world in a brand new, state-of-the-art all-cement bowl built right here on the sand,” said Steve Van Doren, VP of Events and Promotions, “It truly is an honor to have the Van Doren family name be a part of this historic festival and I look forward to all of the action in the water and on the cement!”
The Van Doren Invitational bowl jam is free to the public and runs Saturday and Sunday, July 27 & 28 at Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California. Stay tuned to www.vansusopenofsurfing.com for webcast information, contest info, schedules, confirmed athlete lists, rider profiles, photos, videos and more.
The Van Doren Invitational is just one more exciting and action packed event for fans to experience during the Vans US Open of Surfing. The main surfing event is a pivotal point on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Tour for both the men’s and women’s events earning valuable points towards seeding. Alongside the ASP World Tour stop, Vans will host the ASP Pro Juniors for men’s and women’s as well as the Joel Tudor Duct Tape Invitational presented by Pacifico.
For the time in between the surf, skate and BMX action, Vans is proud to introduce the House of Vans, the company’s roving music venue that echoes Vans’ Brooklyn-based cultural hub, to the Vans US Open music stage for an exciting two-night concert series of original and creative music acts. In addition, new to the Open is the Van Doren Village, the ultimate destination for Vans’ cultural festivities including 100 interactive exhibits, autograph signings, DJs, giveaways, movie nights and more!
The 2013 Vans US Open of Surfing, owned and operated by IMG, will run from July 20 to July 28. All events are free and open to the public. Live webcast can be viewed at www.vansusopenofsurfing.com and via the US Open app starting July 22. Having initially broken viewership records over the past two years, last year’s event garnered momentum bringing the viewership to 1.5MM+, with the expectation to grow even more worldwide this year.
The Vans US Open of Surfing is proudly sponsored by SIMPLE Mobile, Fiat, Paul Mitchell Salon Haircare, Casio G-Shock, Pacifico, Red Bull, iON Cameras, Casio G’zOne, 7-Eleven, and TransWorld Media. The Vans US Open of Surfing airs on Saturday, September 7 at 2:00pm EST as part of the “Red Bull Signature Series.”
About Vans Pro Skate
The performance skate footwear category from the world’s leading action sports footwear and apparel company, Vans Pro Skate combines more than 45 years of proven craftsmanship with legendary skate heritage. Since the dawn of professional skateboarding, Vans continues to provide the meaningful product innovations that help drive the performance progression of the world’s best skateboarders. Visit vans.com/skate for more information.
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in China, Brazil and India and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academies; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com. Follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/IMG_Worldwide) and like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IMGWorldwide).
