April 7th, 2008  
Sunset Beach, Hawaii

The Steinlager Shaka Longboard Series was completed this past weekend

in some wild and wind blown surf at Sunset Beach with wave heights

reaching twelve foot faces at times.

Over 90 surfers from around the state showed up to brave the cool

north winds and shifty peaks and while some survived, a half dozen not

so lucky ones went home with two piece souvenirs as the power of

Sunset took wrath on those competitors.

As for those in luck, like Waianae's Kamu Auwae who had a great

weekend, the Hawaiian warrior, who really hadn't had a chance to

practice at the break, came away unscathed with a win in the Standup

Paddle division as well as a second place showing in the Pro-Am

longboard.

Auwae, who for three back to back heats, began to tire, his strategy

paid off as his Pro-Am semi final started to put the effects of arm

cramping into play through back to back finals.

Going back in for the SUP finish, he put together two high score waves

as his theory got him a win and enough energy to muster a second in

the Pro Longboard final.

Ironically, Ikaika Kalama, who usuall dominantes the SUP scene on the

north shore, he took home a win in the Pro Longboard final which even

surprised him. Motivation to do more longboard events throughout the

Steinlager Shaka Longboard Series.

Rounding out the Pro-am were Kai Sallas from Honolulu and Koa Enriquez

from the Big Island.

In the Standup Paddle, Dave Parmenter from Makaha (finished second),

Leleo Kinimaka from the Big Island (third) and Nolan Martin (fourth).

Sunday, the amateur divisions were completed. Winners include Jackson

Hollingworth (Menehune), Nelson Ahina (Juniors), Keoni Duey (Men).

Calen Barcena (Masters), Kelvin Pascua (Senior Men), Michael Lorne

(Grandmasters), Soyu Kawamoto (Senior Grandmasters), Megan Gordinez

(Girls), Leah Dawson (Women), Betty Depolito (Women Masters).

Next stop on the Steinlager Shaka Longboard Series May 31, June 1st at

Kakaako Beach Park.