We were totally stoked on the Vans US Open of Surfing 2013, and you can read all about why here, but we’re also a little glad we weren’t there. As there was clearly a seedy beered-up underbelly to proceedings and scenes we’re more used to seeing in this country on a Saturday night or reading about in Huntington Beach in the 1980s (see book 4 here). As we said we weren’t there so can’t report first hand on anything though according to LA Weekly the ASP released this statement last night, so something must have gone down.

We’re extremely disappointed and saddened by the disturbance that occurred up on Main St after the close of the US Open of Surfing. We work tirelessly with City staff, police, fire and other agencies to ensure a safe environment for all. We appreciate the quick response of HBPD and are awaiting further information.

And the Huntington Beach police released this one:

The Huntington Beach Police Department restored order at approximately 9:00 PM. 8 arrests were made for failure to disperse and those suspects were booked at the city jail. Damage included damage to city vehicles, portable toilets, newspaper racks, broken windows and street signs. Loss of property is still being determined. No injuries were reported. We are seeking additional suspects and request anyone with pictures, video or information to please call the Huntington Beach Police Department Hotline at 714 375-5066.

Theinertia.com also posted a video of two girls fighting. It’s pretty intense and much as we’d like the traffic we’re not going to link to it, leaving you to find it if you want.

What is it about alcohol, sunshine, beaches and crowds that gets people so cranky? Actually you don’t need the beach do you…just hot weather as riots in London and New York have shown us historically.