Wahine rip at China classic

Hard to fathom anyone believing these days that there's too much estrogen in a surf lineup.

And if you did, you'd certainly get an argument from at least one female surfer who said as much yesterday at the Queen's break off Kuhio Beach, site of the 11th annual Rip Curl/China Uemura Wahine Surfing Classic.

"There could never be enough estrogen in the water," said Kailua's Ashley Quintal, who managed to place third after two rounds in the pro/am longboard division and qualify for the semifinals today. "We need more of it."

Two hundred wave riders will end up participating in the two-day, all-female event staged by Hawaii surf legend Uemura. And four to six of them at a time get to enjoy the waves -- normally dominated by male surfers -- all to themselves.

Early rounds were held yesterday with waves in the 1- to 3-foot-face range. The later rounds and finals of all 14 divisions will be held today.

Each of the 20 pro-am competitors surfed two rounds, and their top two wave scores from each of the three judges from both rounds were added together for their total. The top eight surfers after the two rounds moved on to the semis.

The 24-year-old Quintal totaled 82.5 points. Joining her among the top eight were Kelia Moniz (93.5), Mimi Horiuchi (91), Crystal Dzigas (81.5), Kaitlin Maguire (80), Moanakea Uemura (78; no relation to the organizer), Lauren Ngan (75.5) and defending division champion Megan Godinez (75.5).

"I did OK. There wasn't that much out there (wave-wise), so it was kind of hard," Quintal said. With the format, "you really didn't have any idea how your fellow competitors were doing (during the heats), but that made it fun, too."

The pro-am at the Wahine Classic is only for longboarders, but other divisions include some for shortboarders as well as longboarders. Ages range from 10-and-under Pee Wees to the 60-and-over surfers competing in the Battle of Da Kupuna.

As has been Uemura's tradition, proceeds from the contest will benefit The Sex Abuse Treatment Center of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

And regardless of how she finishes in his event this year, Uemura selected Godinez as the surfer whose competitive career he will try to further help this year by giving her $1,000 to participate in a major pro longboard event in California in September, the Roxy Jam at Cardiff Reef.

"I always try to set up some money for a girl to represent Hawaii on the mainland," said Uemura, a former national longboard champ. "(Godinez) is someone who I know will represent us real good. It's nice to see a girl do well in my contest, and then go on to do well in others."

Though she tied for only seventh best after two rounds in the pro-am, Kaneohe's Godinez could potentially add a big chunk to her future-trip funds if she manages to advance into the final. The $3,000 total purse for the division will be split just among the four finalists (actual prize amounts yet to be announced).

And, if Godinez does really well at the Roxy, she could be selected as one of the surfers to represent the U.S. at the women's longboard world championship in France next year.

"Uncle China opens opportunities for everyone, " said Godinez, a 15-year-old sophomore at Moanalua High. "It's hard for me because I don't have one of those big sponsors. But with him helping me, it's so awesome, and it feels so great."