Vans U.S. Open of Surfing and Gear S

Samsung Galaxy surfer Malia Manuel enjoys surfing and hitting the open water with her new Samsung Gear S equipped with a water-resistant case and a custom WSL app.

The 2015 Vans U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California is taking place from July 25 to August 2, 2015. In partnership with World Surf League (WSL), Samsung has identified a number of areas where innovation and technology could improve surfers’ performances and get fans more connected to the sport they love. With the specially developed water resistant casing for Samsung Gear S and an application designed for WSL and surfers, competitors are able to see weather conditions so they can catch the best waves at the right times. They can also easily access their individual scores during the competition and can track remaining time in their heats.

During the competition, Samsung opens the “Galaxy Studio on the Beach” in Huntington Beach, giving fans the chance to experience products like the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and Gear VR Innovator Edition. Samsung also developed special surf content for Gear VR for fans who visit the Galaxy Studio. They can experience the rides of their lives using the Gear VR Innovator Edition while standing on a moving surfboard to feel first-hand what it’s like to ride the waves.

Samsung Galaxy surfer Malia Manuel met with media and fans at the Galaxy Studio and shared her passionate thoughts about how Samsung is helping improve the sport of surfing through breakthrough innovation.

“Sports is a key passion point for Samsung, and through our partnership and collaboration with the WSL, we are able provide athletes and fans with innovative ways to experience the sport through technology, thus creating authentic and deep level connections with core fans. Samsung takes pride in its partnership with the WSL as a brand that is open to accepting challenges, unafraid to explore the unknown to go beyond expectations and willing to push the limits of technology.” said Hoon Kang, Director of Global Marketing, IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Electronics.

Fans take selfies with the Samsung Galaxy S6 at the Samsung Galaxy Studio on the Beach during the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA.

Fans of all ages enjoy testing out Samsung Gear VR products at the Samsung Galaxy Studio on the Beach during the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA.

Young surf fans try testing out Samsung Gear VR products at the Samsung Galaxy Studio on the Beach during the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA.

The Samsung Galaxy Studio on the Beach was a main destination for fans of all ages during the U.S. Open of Surfing.

Samsung Galaxy surfer Malia Manuel shows fans how to ride waves like a pro on the Samsung Gear VR surfboard simulator during the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA.

Samsung Galaxy surfer Malia Manuel models the Samsung Gear S equipped with a water-resistant case and a custom WSL app which will be used to enhance surfers’ experience in the water.

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