Hawaii surfers advance at Xcel
Star-Bulletin staff
Despite the bad weather on Oahu, the second of three total competition days for the 24th annual Xcel Pro was held yesterday in clean and large 10- to 18-foot-face surf at Sunset Beach.
The Xcel serves as the kickoff event to the famed big-wave competition season on Oahu's North Shore. Round 2 and 12 of 16 heats in Round 3 were completed, with Kauai's Roy Powers among those advancing to Round 4 after posting a 9.43 (out of 10 maximum) tally for a deep and successful barrel ride -- the top wave of the day.
Other Hawaii surfers to win their third-rounders included former world champion Sunny Garcia and 2005 Xcel champ Ian Walsh. Defending Xcel champ Evan Valiere of Kauai and current World Qualifying Series No. 1 Jordy Smith of South Africa also advanced after placing second in their third-round heats. Conditions permitting, the Xcel's last day could be held today, but the waiting period runs through Nov. 10.