The Honda Element, an innovative new vehicle designed for outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports action, will be the title sponsor of the world's largest professional surfing competition, the U.S. Open of Surfing, in Huntington Beach, California. The $175,000 "Honda Element U.S. Open of Surfing presented by O'Neill" anchors the third annual Philips Fusion event, held July 26 to August 3 at the Huntington Beach Pier.
The "Honda Element U.S. Open of Surfing" is North America's highest-rated qualifying event and the world's most heavily attended professional surfing contest, drawing 500 of the surfing world's top competitors from across the globe including Team O'Neill superstars Cory Lopez (Florida), Rochelle Ballard (Hawaii), Timmy Reyes (Huntington Beach) and Melanie Bartels (Hawaii).
"Honda is excited to be aligned with the U.S. Open of Surfing," said Tom Peyton, senior manager, Market Support for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The U.S. Open is one of the sports' premier events and it boasts an unparalleled history. It's the perfect fit for a vehicle designed by and for action sports enthusiasts."
The world-class field features former champions such as Andy Irons (Hawaii), Rob Machado (Cardiff), Shane Beschen (San Clemente), Sunny Garcia (Hawaii), C.J. Hobgood (Florida), Kelly Slater (Florida), Lisa Andersen (Florida) and Layne Beachley (Australia). Top women slated to compete include Julia Christian (Carlsbad), Holly Beck (Palos Verdes), Serena Brooke (Australia) and Sophia Mulanovich (Peru).
The Honda Element U.S. Open's six-star World Qualifying Series (WQS) offers competitors the largest point allocation of any mainland event and is by far the most critical stop on the 2003 Fosters Pro Surfing Tour.
The Honda Element U.S. Open of Surfing anchors Philips Fusion, America's original and largest oceanfront event of its kind. The $225,000 action sports, technology and music festival, sponsored by Philips Electronics, attracts more than 600 world-class athletes from across the globe and features surfing, skateboarding and BMX in innovative venues along with an interactive electronics festival area and live concerts.