Surf and Skate Collide: Vans Jack’s Pro Lights Up Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach transformed into a high-energy playground this weekend as the Vans Jack’s Pro surfing and skateboarding competition brought world-class athletes, massive crowds, and an electric vibe to the iconic SoCal coastline. Named after legendary surfboard shaper Jack O’Neill, the event fused big-wave action with street-style skateboarding, delivering nonstop thrills.

Why This Event Stood Out

Unlike traditional surf contests, Vans Jack’s Pro blended multiple action sports with a festival atmosphere, making it a must-see spectacle. Here’s what made it unforgettable:

• Elite Talent: Top surfers like Griffin Colapinto and Caroline Marks battled it out in pumping waves, while skate icons like Nyjah Huston shredded the custom-built concrete bowl.
• Unique Format: Surfers competed in a mixed-team approach, pairing big-air specialists with tube-riding pros for dynamic heats.
• Live Music & Art: Crowds rocked out to sets by punk and indie bands, while street artists created murals in real time.
• Sustainability Focus: Event organizers emphasized eco-conscious practices, including zero single-use plastics and beach clean-up initiatives.

Unforgettable Moments

The competition delivered jaw-dropping highlights:

1. Skate Bowl Showdown: A last-minute heel-flip from rookie skater Tyla Samuels secured her first major win.
2. Surfing’s Big Air Battle: Brazilian phenom Mateus Herdy landed a never-before-seen double grab rotation, earning a perfect 10.
3. Wildcard Upset: Local surfer Danny Fuller advanced past world-title contenders, cheered on by his hometown crowd.

The Vibe Beyond the Competition

Beyond the podium finishes, the event embodied California’s carefree culture. Pop-up surfboard shaping demos, vintage vendor booths, and impromptu drum circles kept the energy alive between heats. "This isn’t just a contest—it’s a celebration of our lifestyle," said one attendee.

What Do You Think?

• Should more surf contests adopt this festival-style format, or does it take away from the sport’s purity?
• Is the judging in skateboarding becoming too focused on big tricks over technical consistency?
• Do events like this really make a difference in promoting sustainability, or is it just greenwashing?
• Would you rather see surf and skate events combined or kept separate?