Nike U.S. Open Surfing in Huntington Beach

Spectators applaud a surfer.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Jesse Mendes of Brazil rides a wave.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Gabriel Medina of Brazil performs in the competition.  (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Kelly Slater makes a cut atop a wave during a heat at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach on Thursday. Slater, who has won the ASP world title an unprecedented 11 times, is currently ranked No. 2 in the world.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Jay Thompson of Australia takes time to give an autograph to a fan after his heat in the U.S. Open of Surfing on Thursday.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Hundreds of fans kick up a veil of dust during the U.S. Open of Surfing on Thursday in Huntington Beach.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A toddler gets a ride on a boogie board in the waters not far from the U.S. Open of Surfing competition in Huntington Beach on Thursday.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Madelyn Garris, 7, coaxes a smile from her new souvenir dolphin at the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach on Thursday. She’s on vacation with her family from Chicago.  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)