Five Hawai'i surfers still in Rip Curl Cup

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's Kalani Robb won his second-round heat of the Rip Curl Cup at Sunset Beach yesterday, and will next face No. 1 Kelly Slater of Florida. Bernie Baker photo

Hodel, Robb and Joel Centeio were the Hawai'i surfers advancing through the second round of the Rip Curl Cup yesterday in 6-foot waves at Sunset Beach.

The contest, which is the second of three in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, was called off before the third round could start because wave heights declined.

Andy Irons of Kaua'i and Kelly Slater of Florida — the two top contenders for this year's world championship — have byes into the third round.

"At this point, it's about surfing Sunset," said Hodel, who often trains at Sunset Beach. "No pressure at all. I have nothing to lose."

Hodel and Centeio do not compete on the elite world tour, but they qualified for the Rip Curl Cup through a day-long trials event last week.

Hodel is now in the same third-round heat with Irons. Australians Richard Lovett and Trent Munro will complete the four-man heat. Only two can advance out of each heat.

"I know he's up for a world title and he's my friend," Hodel said of Irons. "But I want to do good, too. I'm going to try my best to win."

Robb will be in the same third-round heat as Slater. Australia's Jake Paterson and Tahiti's Manoa Drollet are in the same heat.

"I kind of like playing the spoiler," Robb said. "But every heat from here on out is tough no matter who's in it."

Shane Dorian of Kailua, Kona, also had a bye yesterday, meaning there will be five Hawai'i surfers among the 32 competing on the final day.

Contestable waves are expected to hit Sunset Beach either tomorrow or Saturday.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8101.