Hank Gaskell wins the 26th Xcel Pro presented by Honolua

Hank Gaskell by Brian Bielmann

I want to send a huge congratulations to my buddy Hank Gaskell for achieving his biggest accomplishment as a professional surfer by winning the Xcel Pro yesterday. The waves were in the 6-12 foot range over the 3 day competition. The conditions were prime for a surfing contest and all of the 80 competitors took full advantage of it.

For more photos check out:
http://xcelpro.xcelwetsuits.com/2009/gallery.php

26th Annual Xcel Pro presented by Honolua

Tomorrow we could see the kick off to Day 1 of the 26th Annual Xcel Pro presented by Honolua. The surf is predicted to be in the 8-10 foot range and building into Sunday! There are 8 heats in the first round (Round of 80) and then 16 heats in the second round (Round of 64). If the event does run tomorrow they will complete the Round of 80 and first 13 heats of the Round of 64, with the event wrapping up on the next day of competition.
Some of the biggest names in surfing will be turning up for this event so you surely don't want to miss out on the live action! The likes of Sunny Garcia, Andy Irons and defending Champion Pancho Sullivan have all entered. Other legends who will be competing are Derek Ho, Larry Rios and Kaipo Jaquias!!! Whew, its gonna be on! Check the heat draw.
http://xcelpro.xcelwetsuits.com/2009/

Shahalak

Check out this crazy graphic that Shahalak made for my board! Shahalak can make you pretty much any custom graphic that you may want to put on your board. Check out their web page to see if they can make you what you desire for your new surfboard. Thanks Haru and the gang!