Wednesday, November 21, 2001
Seven Hawaii surfers advanced in the Bear Hawaiian Pro Longboard Invitational yesterday at Alii Beach Park in Haleiwa. Hawaii longboarders
advance in BearIrons shines in winning G-Shock Hawaiian Pro
Ballard looking for barrel in surfing and life's workStar-Bulletin staff
Hawaii's Lance Hookano, Kainoa Dalin, Rusty Keaulana, Kapono Nahina and Bonga Perkins were the winners in six out of the eight first round heats yesterday, and all advanced to the second round.
Keegan Edwards and Chris Vandervoort of Hawaii placed second in their heats and also moved to the next round, while fellow Hawaii surfers Duane Desoto and Dino Miranda were eliminated in the 10-12 foot surf.
Perkins, a former longboard world champion, turned in a huge performance. While others did their share of fighting strong currents and positioning in set waves, Perkins was a "clear-cut standout," according to Association of Surfing Professionals judge Michael Ginzburg.
"That was the best display of longboard surfing I have ever seen in my life," Ginzburg said.
Surfing large waves can be highly treacherous for longboarders because of the extra size and weight of the board. There was at least one board broken in every heat yesterday.
In the afternoon, strong onshore winds increased and waves heightened, causing event officials to postpone.
Today, conditions permitting, the contest continues with the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.
The longboard contest is under the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing umbrella, but it doesn't count toward points accrued for the prestigious Triple Crown title.