Midday scene at the US Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach, CA

“This is the last photo from Huntington that I’ll be sending you,” says photog Matt O’Brien. “I’m so over this place, and I’m sure I’ll be shooting around elsewhere with this swell coming.” The hustle and bustle of the US Open of Surfing has proven too much for Matty, which is a shame ’cause, between today’s Full Frame and yesterday’s, he’s pulling together some amazing work there. Y’see that kid there, arms raised, reaching up at the heavens? And Tahitian Michel Bourez, dipped in fluorescent, eyes also cast to the sky? They’re staring at a blimp, flying over head just as Mitch Crews (in the background there) throws a lil’ frontside hit. That’s how y’get that clever little foreground shadow. Mitch’s actually warming up for the Trestles trials here, hoping to get the blood flowing through his joints enough that he’ll storm through to the main event at Lowers in one-and-a-half months’ time. Don’t this setting make you feel warm inside?