HUNTINGTON BEACH, California/USA (Thursday, July 12, 2012) ? The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Prime rated Nike US Open of Surfing is set to unfold at historic Huntington Beach Pier from July 28 through August 5 and two-time event champion Brett Simpson (Huntington Beach, CA), 27, is poised to tackle the world?s best surfers once again at this year?s men?s main event.
Simpson, an elite campaigner on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), has built a name for himself as one of the nation?s top surfers due to historic back-to-back US Open of Surfing victories (2009 and 2010) and is hoping to donate another standout performance this year with the support of the hometown crowd behind him.
?With the Prime status as well as Hurley and Nike taking it to the next level, it has drawn a lot of the top guys to come compete in Huntington Beach,? Simpson said. ?It is Surf City and it means a lot for the city when all the guys come to town and get to witness the top guys shred there local waves. For me it?s my home break so it’s a very special event, you always want do well at home and I have had great success over the past few years.?
The talented regular-footer is arguably the most familiar surfer with the Huntington Beach lineup and Simpson is hoping to use the comfort that comes along with competing at his local break to surpass the top international talent in this year?s draw.
?I think I just have the confidence and the right equipment from surfing out there on a daily basis,? Simpson said. ?It makes it a lot easier knowing you have spent a lot of time preparing and are comfortable. Plus, being in your own bed is a huge advantage.?
Simpson, currently 18th on the ASP WCT, has enjoyed a break from elite competition after the last event in Fiji, but is keeping his competitive skills sharp by competing in South Africa and is hoping to maintain his focus back to his hometown event.
?Well, I am still on the grind competing over here in South Africa,? Simpson said. ?It makes no sense to stop when there are good events around the globe with great points and money. I’m in J Bay at the moment for the 6 star and the waves are about as good as they get. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to compete out here again.?
Simpson is one of nearly 30 ASP WCT surfers competing at this year?s US Open of Surfing, with additional top names including defending event winner and 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 40, Australian icons Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, and Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, and the likes of elite ASP WCT rookies John John Florence (HAW), 19, and Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18.
Running in conjunction with the Nike US Open of Surfing is the men?s and women?s ASP 4-Star Nike US Open Pro Junior. Stop No. 3 of 5 on the men?s ASP North America Pro Junior Series and the first for the women, the US Open Pro Junior plays a critical role in surfer?s qualification campaigns for the ASP World Junior Tour.
While the men?s ASP Prime and Pro Junior events are guaranteed to provide tons of action, the Nike US Open of Surfing, owned and operated by IMG, a global leader in sports and entertainment, is part of a major action sports festival that includes skateboarding, music, art and more.
