Premiering as host of this summer’s Vans US Open of Surfing, Vans announces the debut of the Van Doren Invitational, a brand new invite-only bowl riding competition featuring the most diverse and talented crew of Pro and Amateur bowl riders ever assembled together in one place. Forty of the world’s best skateboarders, including Vans’ own bowl-riding phenom Pedro Barros, will battle it out on the sand in Huntington Beach on July 27th & 28th for their share of over $100,000 in prize money and top honors on the world’s largest stage for action sports.
The Van Doren Invitational will feature an organized jam format showcasing the best of the best and the best of the next including skateboarding legends like Steve Caballero and Christian Hosoi plus past Open champs Ben Raybourn and Raven Tershy, as well as up-and-comers Colin Provost and Greyson Fletcher. Fueled by the talent of top Vans Pro riders like Pedro Barros, Tony Trujillo and Curren Caples, competition is slated to hit an all-time high.
Befitting Vans’ authentic skate heritage, the inaugural Van Doren Invitational takes skateboarding at the Open to new levels by introducing Cardiel Cash for the gnarliest tricks of the weekend, as judged by Vans legend, John Cardiel. In the first-ever all cement bowl on the sand in Huntington Beach built by California Skateparks, the Vans Pro Bowl was inspired by and designed from the original bowl riders’ mecca, the legendary Skatepark du Prado bowl on the beach in Marseilles, France. Vans is also pleased to introduce the Van Doren Shop vs. Shop team battle and, as if that weren’t enough, Vans is deeply honored to bring back women’s skateboarding and BMX to the weeklong celebration of the world’s top action sports athletes.
“We’re very excited to follow the great tradition of the US Open of Surfing here in Huntington Beach. Supporting Vans’ heritage in skateboarding, the Van Doren Invitational will showcase the best skateboarders from around the world in a brand new, state-of-the-art all-cement bowl built right here on the sand,” said Steve Van Doren, VP of Events and Promotions, “It truly is an honor to have the Van Doren family name be a part of this historic festival and I look forward to all of the action in the water and on the cement!”
The Van Doren Invitational bowl jam is free to the public and runs Saturday and Sunday, July 27th & 28th at Vans US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California. Stay tuned to www.vansusopenofsurfing.com for webcast information, contest info, schedules, confirmed athlete lists, rider profiles, photos, videos and more.