Abubo surfs to the top of world

Advertiser Staff

Megan Abubo of Waialua is No. 1 on the women's world tour of surfing after her victory in the Roxy Fiji Surf Jam. Pierre Tostee • Association of Surfing Professionals

Abubo, a Waialua High graduate, won the Roxy Fiji Surf Jam yesterday in picturesque 4- to 5-foot waves off Tavarua, Fiji.

It was the opening contest of the World Championship Tour of women's surfing.

"I can't even explain it," said Abubo, 23. "Coming to Tavarua, I was just excited to compete in this event. Surfing one of the best waves in the world . . . I couldn't have asked for anything more."

Abubo won four heats yesterday, including a convincing victory over Australia's Melanie Redman in the one-on-one final.

In the 35-minute final heat, Abubo took the lead less than 10 minutes after it started, and never relinquished it. Her top three waves scored 17.75 to Redman's 12.65.

Abubo opened the heat with a score of 7.0 (out of 10) by slashing her way up, down and across a 5-foot wave. She followed it with a similar ride that scored 6.0. None of Redman's waves scored higher than 5.75.

"I knew if I got a good wave (early in the heat) and whacked it as many times as I could, I'd get a decent score," said Abubo, who finished last year ranked No. 2 in the world. "I started off pretty well and had two solid scoring waves. I knew I just needed a third."

Redman sealed the victory for Abubo when she got separated from her surfboard and had to retrieve a replacement.

Abubo earned $10,000 for the victory while Redman received $6,000.

In yesterday's quarterfinals, Abubo defeated fellow Hawai'i surfer Keala Kennelly. Another Hawai'i surfer, Rochelle Ballard, was also eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Kennelly and Ballard, who are both from Kaua'i, received $3,500 each.

Three-time defending world champion Layne Beachley of Australia tied for ninth.

The next stop on the tour – for both men and women – is the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, May 8-19 at Teahupoo, Tahiti.