Surf contest still Xcel-ing in 20th year

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	Xcel Pro What: World Qualifying Series (WQS) professional surfing contest Where: Sunset Beach When: Best three days between today and Nov. 10 Who: More than 120 surfers from around the world competing for a $26,000 purse and points toward the 2003 WQS Daily status: 596-7873

"We were in our second year of business and I figured putting our name on a contest would be a great way to reach the Mainland and international markets," D'Ascoli said. "I had no idea it would last this long."

Sponsorships for surf contests can be as fickle as the North Shore waves. Yet, Xcel has endured.

Today, the holding period begins for the 20th annual Xcel Pro at Sunset Beach. The contest will be held on the best three days of surf conditions between today and Nov. 10.

The first Xcel Pro was staged at Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach; it offered a $2,000 prize purse and very little fanfare.

"It was real basic," D'Ascoli said. "We set up tents on the beach and put up some banners and hoped the local surfers found out about it."

The Xcel Pro moved to Sunset Beach in 1986. Now, the contest offers $26,000 in prize money and is recognized as one of the top big-wave events in the world.

"It's still the same basic premise as the first one," D'Ascoli said. "But as the years went on, we became more credible."

Ultimately, it has resulted in a win-win situation for the surfers and Xcel.

The Xcel Pro is considered the kick-off event for the famed big-wave season in Hawai'i. Many of Hawai'i's best surfers have won the Xcel Pro, including Sunny Garcia, Michael Ho, Derek Ho, Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, and last year's winner, Fred Patacchia Jr.

In 1984, Xcel Wetsuits was a small shop in Hale'iwa. Today, it is one of the industry's top manufacturers.

"The contest certainly helped us get the exposure we needed," D'Ascoli said. "And what we want to do now is help the young surfers get the exposure they need."

Bartels wins: Wai'anae's Melanie Bartels won the O'Neill Cold Water Classic last weekend at Santa Cruz, Calif.

Bartels also clinched the 2003 Foster's Pro Surfing Tour, which consisted of a series of contests on both the East and West coasts of the United States.

Bartels earned $5,000 — $3,000 for the tour title, and $2,000 for winning the contest.

Bartels is also ranked No. 1 on the women's World Qualifying Series, and is in position to qualify for the prestigious World Championship Tour in 2004.

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