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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We Are Greater Than I: Samsung and WSL Present a Film Honoring the Community of Surfing

Many people might think of surfing as an individual sport; surfers alone in the water with their thoughts, finding peace in quiet moments and braving the extraordinary, and sometimes merciless, power of the ocean. What those within the surfing community know, is that it is not just a sport but a lifestyle with a great sense of togetherness with each other, a oneness that connects them through their shared love of the water. It both unites and inspires them, fueling the motivation to push themselves to new heights, to achieve the unimaginable.

In technology, as in surfing, companies drive each other to new levels to achieve more. Samsung is the first global sponsor of the World Surf League (WSL), and together they explore the support found within the surfing community, as well as the challenges and negative push back that surfers face through their short film, “Without You, I’m Nothing – We Are Greater Than I.”

“Without You, I’m Nothing – We Are Greater Than I” is the sequel to a film produced by Samsung and the WSL called “Every Day Is Day One,” which recently earned three prestigious awards at the 2015 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Both films are visually stunning, emotionally captivating and successful in capturing the poignant highs and lows of the surfing lifestyle. The film tells of each surfer’s gratitude for everything that made them and the rest of the surfing community excel. Grateful for both the positive and the challenging experiences, they appreciate all of them equally for motivating to pursue greatness.

The film vividly depicts such negative stigmas and even violent encounters with people who oppose their chosen lifestyle. The film shows how working through these challenges only made the surfing community stronger and more driven. “Without You, I’m Nothing – We Are Greater Than I” emphasizes the courage of surfers who risk their lives to follow their passion, despite doubt and obstacles.

Highlighted in the film are some of the world’s most popular surfers: Gabriel Medina, Sally Fitzgibbons, Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater and Malia Manuel. A personal moment shared between Gabriel Medina and his step-father portrays how the feeling of family is such an integral part of the bond within the community of surfers. An acknowledgement of surf legend Kelly Slater shows how having surf heroes continues to inspire surfers of all levels to try new tricks and keep pushing their own boundaries. A hug between Mick Fanning, three time WSL Champion and 2014 runner-up, and Gabriel Medina, 2014 WSL Champion, represents the admiration and respect surfers have for each other, even in the face of competition. A tribute to Tyron Swan shows him giving the paraplegic mother of his friend the chance to experience the thrill of riding a wave by duct-taping her to his back.

“Without You, I’m Nothing – We Are Greater Than I” beautifully captures the sense of family shared by those in the surf community, a bond strengthened by shared experiences of both achievements and disappointments. Surfers must take risks, be bold and dare to be different. Samsung strives to do the same and like the WSL, it celebrates victories, is motivated by challenges and is unafraid to explore the unknown in order to go beyond expectations and push the boundaries of technology. “Without You, I’m Nothing – We Are Greater Than I” honors surfers for coming together in pursuit of greatness.

Samsung and WSL are co-developing the Gear S app, specialized for professional surfers, that empowers and equips them with knowledge and data about the sport they love. The app helps surfers in competition by indicating priority signs to catch the best waves at the best times, providing easy access to their individual scores after each wave during the competition, and tracking the time remaining in competitions.