Pete Johnson's version of sweet music came in the form of his bodysurfing yesterday.

Johnson won the Kekaha Nalu Hanana 'O Ehukai bodysurfing contest yesterday at the Banzai Pipeline. The one-day event was staged in 3- to 5-foot waves.

"This is so surprising," said Johnson, who is 38 and resides on O'ahu's North Shore. "There are a lot of guys in this contest who are much better than I am, but I think I just got lucky today."

The contest was sponsored by Quiksilver and organized by the North Shore Lifeguard Association.

Johnson is a former North Shore lifeguard, and is now a manager for the O'Neill surfing team.

"It means a lot because I know a lot of these guys and I still feel like I'm part of the group (of lifeguards)," he said.

He is also the older brother of music star Jack Johnson.

"People know me more as his brother now, even though I'm older by seven years," Pete Johnson said. "But he's certainly more famous than I am, and we're a close family, so I'm proud of it."

Johnson is well-respected on O'ahu's North Shore for his all-around skills in the ocean.

"A lot of people know that Pete is really good," runner-up Mike Stewart said. "I think this was a great opportunity for him to show it."

Johnson and Stewart actually tied for first place with 87 points each for their four best waves. Johnson was awarded the victory because his single best wave was better than Stewart's.

Johnson's best wave came in the closing minutes of his heat, when he successfully rode through a Pipeline barrel.

"That's the nature of Pipeline," he said. "Sometimes, you can beat a guy who is better than you with just one good wave."

Johnson was raised near the Banzai Pipeline, and he still surfs there when the waves roll in.

"If I did have an advantage, it was that I know the place a little bit," he said.

Todd Sells was third, one point behind Johnson and Stewart.

The contest followed a unique format — each competitor got to surf in two heats, and there were no eliminations.

"This is more of a relaxed event," Stewart said. "There wasn't any hassling. Everybody just went out and had fun."

Final results: 1, Pete Johnson. 2, Mike Stewart. 3, Todd Sells. 4, Gavin Kennelly. 5, Aaron Ungerleiter. 6, Chris Kalima. 7, B.K. Holt. 8, Kai Santos. 9, Guy Pere. 10, Brock Little. Longest ride: Mike Stewart. Most spinners: B.K. Holt. Best style: Kai Santos. Biggest wave: Steve Kapela. Best tube: Todd Sells. Rescue race: 1, Todd Sells/B.K. Holt.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.