The US Open Is All About The Ladies!

In a stroke of post-modern feminist genius, this year Vans is doubling down on the ladies at the US Open in Huntington Beach.

This week, in addition to the women’s World Championship Tour event, Vans has announced the addition of an all-women’s edition of Joel Tudor’s Duct Tape Invitational, featuring an elegant and international 16-lady cast. 

The decision is a true stroke of genius, truly world-class female longboarders being perhaps the most visually gorgeous argument for surfing as art not sport. 

“Women’s longboarding is the absolute next big thing, no question,” Joel Tudor told Stab‘s Editor in Chief Ashton Goggans. “Girls hanging ten, riding longboards beautifully—it’s incredible. Especially because this generation of girls is so cool. Holy shit, they’re inspiring. They each have their own style. You see them all over the world, traveling to waves that fit their style. And it’s amazing to see the younger girls looking up to them, and how they’re on their own trip.”

For the first all-women’s edition of the event, Joel, oft at the recommendations of many a keen eye for talent, hand-selected a generation-spanning roster of female leads. Allow us to make a few introductions. 

Karina Rozunko

Miss Rozunko might be one of the most beautiful surfers to watch ride a wave on the planet. With old Hollywood good lucks, a playful, improvisational style, and a vagabond spirit, Karina’s no stranger to the Duct Tape’s Huntington mainstage, having been invited to battle with the boys at a DTI once before. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjhxfOKHR_o

Honolula Blomfield

Honolua did not think Stab‘s Brendan Buckley is funny. Not happy with out poking longboarders in the rib a few months back, she had more than a few unkind words for Stab on her Insta stories. Satire and self-seriousness aside, we hope she knows we’re full-blown starry-eyed for her, the Hawaiian’s delicate, precise, and elegant approach one of the smoothest in the game. 

http://vimeo.com/68983931

Kassia Meador

Kass is one of those women who couldn’t look more perfect on a surfboard.

She’s just it—spontaneous, loose, and fast, Kassia has inspired thousands of women the world over to pick up a heavy log and let their freak female flag fly. All hail the Queen!

Mia Larson

Joel Tudor pointed Mia Larson out at Malibu this last south swell, the 15-year-old Floridian enjoying an early start to her California stay as the youngest girl invited to this year’s event. Quick-footed and smooth as silk, Mia knee floated through the pack in a front-zip wetsuit jacket with a massive Grateful Dead patch embroidered on it, swung on a inside set and had the beach howling by the time she kicked out. She’ll be doing he same at Huntington this week, with the forecasting looking like familiar conditions for the Space Coaster. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEa00RrKM3I

Sierra Lerback

Cutting her teeth around her beloved Maui, Sierra Lerback is a naturally gifted stylist, who is more than nimble in playful, soft logging waves, and one of the best noseriders of this new generation. 

Mele Saili and Jen Smith

Two very, very smooth, dynamic ladies from San Diego. Mele is a regular standout from Beacons to Seaside, while Jen Smith is a 2x World Champ and an absolute summer breeze of a human being. 

Kelia Moniz

Sister is Waikiki Royalty, Hawaii’s pride and joy, and purveyor of the most effortless grace and beauty on a longboard. 

Rounding out the list is Lady Slide OG and Santa Cruz board builder Ashley Lloyd. Hallie Rohr, San Clemente’s Shredsista, Makala Smith, Australia’s Ivy Thomas, Tory Gilkerson, Kelis Kaleopaa, Kaitlin Maguire, and Erin Ashley. 

The ladies contest window runs from August 2-5th.