North Shore native Pancho Sullivan demonstrated the finer points of high-performance, big-wave surfing yesterday on the second day of the 26th annual Xcel Pro. The second day of competition for the 2-Star World Qualifying Series event saw wave-face heights in the 16- to 20-foot range.

Sullivan is the defending Xcel Pro champ and won both of his heats yesterday en route to the semifinals that will be held today at Sunset Beach. Competition will wrap up today with waves forecast to remain giant, which is ideal for Sullivan to possibly win his fifth Xcel Pro title.

“;I'm just happy to be able to surf Sunset with three guys in the water,”; said Sullivan after dominating his quarterfinal heat yesterday. “;But, to ultimately have my name up there with Michael Ho and guys who are legends of the sport like that would be a great honor.”;

Despite retiring from the World Championship Tour (WCT) two years ago, Sullivan is looking leaner and meaner than ever thanks in part to a new business venture. Along with fellow pro surfer and long-time friend, Myles Padaca, Sullivan started Progressive Surfing.

According to http://www.progressivesurfing.com, this instructional training clinic is for novice to advanced professional level surfers who aspire to take their ability to the highest level on the waves of the North Shore.

“;I've been trying to practice what we preach with progressive surfing and I've been training a lot and tuning into my diet,”; said Sullivan.