Sally Fitzgibbons and Alan Cleland won the 2024 US Open of Surfing. Photos: Emma Sharon, Pat Nolan // WSL
Sally Fitzgibbons and Alan Cleland are the champions of the 2024 US Open of Surfing. The annual competition just concluded its nine-day run in Huntington Beach, California, with finals day taking place in humble surf that tested competitors patience as much as their competitive edge.
Sally Fitzgibbons in Heat 2 of the Quarterfinals at the US Open of Surfing. Photo: Pat Nolan // WSL
The women’s event came down to a final heat between Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons and San Clemente native Bella Kenworthy. Fitzgibbons is no stranger to the podium at the US Open, having won the event in 2011 and come in second to Sawyer Lindblad at last year’s event.
“It’s just a very special place for me, a very special wave,” said Fitzgibbons after her win. “It just feels so special. I just love this so much, looking out at the pier and all the people cheering and supporting me, thank you so much.”
Alan Cleland surfing in Heat 2 of the US Open of Surfing Quarterfinals. Photo: Emma Sharon // WSL
Meanwhile, the men’s event ended in a final matchup between Mexico’s Alan Cleland (son of San Diego pro surfer Alan Cleland Sr.) and French surfer Marco Mignot. Cleland’s win comes hot on the heels of competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic surfing event in Teahupo’o, where he dropped out in the third round of competition. Cleland is the first surfer from Mexico to win a US Open.
“To just be representing my flag and all the people who supported me,” said Alan. “It’s amazing.”
Fitzgibbons’ finish propelled her to the top of the Challenger Series rankings and in good position to regain her place on the Championship Tour. Cleland’s win rocketed him 42 places in the men’s rankings, to the ninth slot and above the CT qualification line.
Full results for the 2024 US Open of Surfing can be found here.
