It was like one big party.

Sure, Huntington Beach’s Brett Simpson had reason to celebrate after beating the best surfers in the world and taking home a fat check for $100,000.

But what were the hundreds of thousands of other people so happy about?

The U.S. Open of Surfing isn’t just the world’s largest surf contest – it’s a scene where people go to be seen. It can be crowded and like a circus, but as long as a riot doesn’t happen (which has happened), it can be a lot of fun.

This weekend was as wild as it gets. The biggest names in surf came to town, as well as the biggest bands. Brands gave away free swag, and there was a lot of partying happening.  So if you didn’t want to deal with the crowds, we captured some fun moments on the sand for you to enjoy – like the dance party happening below.

Click on the image for more from our  U.S. Open of Surfing weekend wrap up:

DID YOU MISS IT? CATCH UP ON THE ACTION:

Overwhelmed by the U.S. Open of Surfing? Check out our guide that breaks down the basics here.

SLIDESHOWS and LIVE COVERAGE:

• Day 1: Check out scene and some of the early surf shots

• Day 2: Check out juniors heat up and how insane the crowds got

• Day 3: U.S Champ Conlogue taken out

• Day 4: O.C surfers struggle first day of men’s heat; and Cold War Kids and crowds

• Day 5: See which big names in surfing show up
• Day 6: Surfers take to the air; OC had mixed results
• Day 7: Which OC surfers remain in Men’s and Juniors?
• Day 8: Top female surfer gets record $50,000
• Day 9: SIMPO WINS IT!!

Check out Brett Simpson’s showdown with Jordy Smith

A few other feature stories through the week:

See what O.C.’s World Tour surfers say they miss most when away from home, and read their thoughts on U.S. Open of Surfing.

Don’t miss this Q & A with Bob Hurley on his thoughts of this year’s contest

Check out a story on announcer Rockin’ Fig, honored at the Surfing Walk of Fame. Also don’t miss this feature story on Ian Cairns. Here’s a write up about the Surfers’ Hall of Fame and OC Surfer of the Year.

Meanwhile, while all the big-name surfers are in town, they gave huge at the Pipeline to a Cure event – $450,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

If you’re around, cruise north up PCH to visit the Motel No Tell – there’s a ton happening at the Nike 6.0 transformed motel, take a photo tour here. Also related to U.S. Open of Surfing – check out the Agenda tradeshow, which brought boutiques and big name brands that mixed surf, skate and art.

If you’re into music, check out this review on the Weezer concert that happened on Saturday.

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