80 arrested during 9-day U.S. Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach police say

Huntington Beach police reported making 80 arrests during the nine-day Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, which ended Sunday, though public safety officials said there was “nothing major or significant” compared with last year’s event.

Police Chief Robert Handy said during Monday night’s City Council meeting that, in addition to the arrests, police recorded:

• 83 criminal reports
• 50 criminal citations
• 260 civil citations
• 181 alcohol-related citations
• 368 traffic citations
• 884 parking violations

Fire Chief David Segura said Fire Department medical personnel saw 38 patients, 26 of whom were taken to hospitals.

First-aid volunteers, who handle minor cuts, bruises and heat issues, treated and released 237 patients, Segura said.

The annual U.S. Open action-sports festival draws large crowds to the Huntington Beach shoreline to see many of the best competitors in surfing, skateboarding and BMX cycling, as well as movies, art and vendor exhibits and other activities.

Organizers said Tuesday that they could not immediately provide the total attendance for this year’s U.S. Open, but they said before the event that they expected 500,000.

The festival coincides with the annual Surfing Walk of Fame and Surfers’ Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, in which surf industry stars are recognized for their impact on the sport.

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