This past weekend kicked off the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, marking the 20th anniversary of the surfing competition in Huntington Beach. The event brings thousands of surf fans to the shore and millions of dollars to Surf City USA.

A recent report by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association reported over $6 billion in retail sales last year. However, massive cuts and financial losses by surf giants Quiksilver and Billabong show that the industry is starting to struggle.

Jake Howard, an editor for the surf section for ESPN's XGames.com joined us in the studio today.