In just a few days, one of the most anticipated events in surfing is taking place in Huntington Beach. The 2012 Nike US Open of Surfing (June 28^th- August 5^th) promises to be yet another epic event in the world of surf, skate, music and art.  With Hurley as a presenting sponsor along with Converse, the US Open of Surfing is the biggest stage in competitive surfing. It serves as a pivotal point on the ASP World Tour and one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.  

Pics from last year's US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach.

To help you get ready for a big day of sun, surf, skate and music, check out Hurley’s collection of swimwear on Zappos.com!

1. Hurley Mayan Stripe Bandeau Top, 2. Hurley Phantom 60 Blockparty Boardshort, 3. Hurley Blockparty Triangle Top, 4. Hurley Mayan Stripe Aussie Tab Side Bottom, 5. Hurley Sets Boardshort, 6. Hurley Blockparty Side Tie Bottom

Paddling forward to give back. OluKai is a brand that is deeply grounded to the ocean and the culture, history and community that surrounds it. This spring, OluKai held their interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian celebration, the Ho’olaule’a, on Maui’s north shore. The event blends elite competition with family-friendly cultural activities. They also gathered some of the world’s best SUP (stand-up paddle) and outrigger canoe paddlers to race the legendary 8-mile Maliko downward run.

The OluKai Ho’olaule’a is truly a celebration and expression of gratitude, inspired by the strong tradition of giving back in the Polynesian culture.

2012 OluKai Ho'olaule'a from OluKai on Vimeo.

SPY paid a visit to the North Shore to do a photo shoot with Kauai native and surf industry bombshell Alana Blanchard.

Alana’s SPY shades of choice? The glamorous and fearless Fiona of course!

©ASP/Robertson

Congratulations to 10-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater for winning the Billabong Pro Tahiti yesterday in Teahupo’o. Slater, 39, claimed the title over Australian Owen Wright, 21.

Yesterday’s win not only moved the Florida native up to the number 1 spot in the ASP World Title rankings, it marked his 47^th elite tour victory.

When surf legend Rob Machado isn’t ripping it up on the waves, his sunglasses of choice is the thoroughly cool Experience by Dragon Optical. Rob has cemented his spot as one of the sport’s most recognizable icons with his zen-like attitude and style both on and off the surfboard.

For even more surf gear and clothing, including the rest of the Dragon Optical collection, make sure to visit the Zappos Rideshop!

ROB MACHADO / EXPERIENCE from DRAGON ALLIANCE on Vimeo.

L-R : Oakley S/S Pressure 2.8 Rashguard, Quiksilver All Time S/S Snug Fit Rashguard 

Hang ten, barney,betty, gnarly, shred ,sleeper set… the surfer vernacular is really a language all its own.  While surfing has been romanticized by such surf movies as Blue Crush and Point Break, it is a sport that requires a lot of passion and patience.

Whether you’re a barney (newbie), or have been surfing since you were a grom (young surfer), it’s all about the right gear, the right waves, and the right attitude. It’s important to never underestimate the power of the ocean. Find surf spots that suit your experience level.

Here are a few famous surf spots worth checking out this summer:

San Onofre State Beach, San Clemente, CA - a good spot for beginners with low, slow-breaking peaks at Dog Patch.  For more experienced surfers, Trestles (made up of Upper, Middle and Lower sections) is considered on of the best surf spots in the U.S.

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, HI-this world-famous shoreline is often regarded as the birthplace of modern surfing. Great for beginners with plenty of surf schools offering lessons to both kids and adults.

Huntington Beach, CA- hailed as “Surf City”, Huntington Beach is most crowded on either side of the pier, with the larger swells on the north side.

Haleiwa, HI- regarded as a surf mecca by experienced and novice surfers alike, this world-famous surf town is home to some of the best surf in the world.

Santa Cruz, CA- this low-key surf town with a thriving arts scene is home to plenty of good surf spots for different levels. Cowell’s  is a good place for begginers with its long gentle waves, perfect for longboards.

Before you hit the waves, check out the great selection of surf clothing, shoes and gear in the Zappos Rideshop.

The Quiksilver Ceremonial Punta De Lobos Big Wave Invitational will commence this Spring with the world's top big wave riders competing for a $20,000 prize purse during a contest window spanning April 1- May 31, 2011.  The first stop on the 2011 Big Wave World Tour, the Quiksilver Ceremonial is one of Chile's most anticipated big wave events, with this year's swell expected to reach gigantic conditions with a potential for 30 ft. waves and perfect tubes behind Punta de Lobos' famous "morros."

"This being the third year of the Ceremonial as part of the Big Wave World Tour, expectations for some special waves are high on everyone's list," said Gary Linden, Big Wave World Tour Director and Contest Director. "We have all seen the potential, and with the early season swell patterns so strong, it is now just waiting for the elements to align."

Quiksilver is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style.  Their aim is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement - the stoke that is the essence of boardriding.  They're also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.

Want to tap into a world of ride? Click LIKE below to join the Zappos Rideshop on Facebook!

In collaboration with Alex Klein's 2011 documentary film "God Went Surfing With The Devil", DVS Shoe Co. has created a special edition of their classic Rico CT sneaker. In honor and support of the brave and eye-opening surf documentary, the DVS x "God Went Surfing With The Devil" sneaker was designed after simple canvas sneakers that Alex and his crew wore as they traversed beach breaks and sniper zones.

The film, shot entirely with hand-held HD cameras, focuses on Surfing 4 Peace (based in Tel-Aviv) and their journey to deliver 23 surfboards to the surfers in the conflict-riddled Israel and Gaza regions.

This simple rendition of the Rico CT also features the "God Went Surfing With The Devil" logo on the back heel and footbed.

Check out the trailer to this amazing and thought-provoking documentary: