Vans US Open of Surfing 2018 crowns two Huntington Beach locals
This year, Vans US Open of Surfing crowned two Huntington Beach surfers in early August as champions on its home surf. A passionate and determined Courtney Conlogue beat world #1 ranked Stephanie Gilmore for the women’s title and Kanoa Igarashi was the first surfer to win back-to-back Men’s Opens since Brett Simpson did it eight years ago in 2009-10. Igarashi’s battle against Griffin Colapinto turned into an eight-point ride that sealed the deal.
2018 US Open of Surfing Women’s title winner Courtney Conlogue 
2018 US Open of Surfing Women’s title winner Courtney Conlogue reveling in her win
Conlogue, known for her gritty determination and incredible work ethic, is a two-time World Title runner-up (2015, 2016). Originally from Santa Ana, Courtney has made Huntington Beach her surfing home. After winning the first contest she ever entered at age 10, she earned a wildcard into the Maui Pro in Honolulu at 14. In 2009, she won the US Open of Surfing in front of her home crowd, paving the way to the Championship Tour where she finished in the Top 10. In 2015, she participated and won events in Australia, Brazil and Portugal. After overcoming the injuries she had and winning the US Open again, Conlogue said, “My head’s in the right spot and I’m just having a good time out there.”
Vans US Open of Surfing 2018 winners Kanoa Igarashi and Courtney Colongue
Kanoa Igarashi’s father, Japanese surfer Tsutomu ‘Tom,’ moved him to Huntington Beach with the sole purpose of teaching Kanoa the art of surfing. Kanoa quickly became a top-ranked amateur and qualified for the Championship Tour in 2015. He won the Hang Loose Pro and Pantin Classic in 2016, and in 2017 won his first US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. This year, Igarashi, who holds dual citizenship, is proudly representing Japan on the global stage, as he looks to surf for them during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
