Frames: Stars of the US Open

Courtney Conlogue (USA) established herself as a global threat at 15 when she won the US Open, then a 6 Star-rated QS event. Last year, the hometown hero finished runner-up to WCT leader Carissa Moore (HAW) in her second podium appearance.

Carissa Moore claimed her first victory at the venue in 2010 as a 6-Star and returns to HB as defending Vans US Open of Surfing champion. The Hawaiian's victory in 2013 played a vital role in the eventual claim of her second ASP World Title.

Lakey Peterson (USA) made her first career ASP WCT appearance as a wildcard at the US Open. The Californian claimed her first elite event win at the venue in 2012.

Sally Fitzgibbons (USA) is another former winner in the HB lineup returning this year. Fitzgibbons was the last Aussie to win, claiming her victory in 2011.

A young unknown Hawaiian by the name of Malia Manuel (HAW) made history in 2008, winning the 6-Star US Open at just 14 years old.

Coco Ho (HAW) has been a standout in the Huntington lineup throughout her career, clinching the Pro Junior title and finaling in the women's 6-Star in 2008.

While Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) has yet to compete in the WCT at Huntington, she's had plenty of success at the Pier, taking out the US Open Pro Junior in 2012 and a runner-up finish in the same division in 2013.

Five-time ASP Women's World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) claimed a US Open Title when it was a 6-Star in 2007. It was her rookie season on the elite WCT.

Bianca Buitendag (ZAF) also saw success in HB during her rookie season among the elite. She put together an impressive run at the 2013 Vans US Open, claiming the Pro Junior division and notching a Quarterfinals finish.

The Huntington Beach Pier provides a stadium atmosphere, making the Vans US Open one of the world's most unique contests.

C.J. Hobgood (USA) claimed a US Open title back in 2007. But looking sharper than ever in 2014, the Floridian could do some damage with his small-wave skills and experience in HB.

An unknown Brazilian named Filipe Toledo (BRA) won the US Open Pro Junior as a wildcard in 2011, trumping Kolohe Andino (USA), John John Florence (HAW) and Conner Coffin (USA) in the stacked final. The win put his name on the map, after launching his way there with a refined aerial attack. Just two years later, Toledo qualified for the elite WCT.

Jordy Smith (ZAF) has been a standout at Huntington, finding his way to the Final in 2010. The South African powerhouse has not claimed a win there (yet) but remains a threat in the lineup.

Kelly Slater (USA) was victorious over Yadin Nicol (AUS) in 2011.

Brett Simpson (USA) established his professional identity as the king of Huntington with back-to-back wins in 2009 and 2010. The success vaulted the Californian into the Dream Tour realm. Plus, he claimed the coveted $100,000 check for first place.

Julian Wilson (AUS) took out a massive victory in 2012 in front of a max capacity crowd.

Fans of Brazilian Miguel Pupo have been boasting that he's doing the best surfing of his career. At Huntington, he's looked like he was at home, finishing runner-up to Wilson back in 2012.

Kolohe Andino (USA) was on at tear a the Vans US Open last year, but fell just shy of a victory in the Final against Alejo Muniz (BRA).

Last year's victory at the Vans US Open played a crucial role in Muniz's requalification for the 2014 WCT.