But that was just fine with Japanese surfer Teppei Tajima.

"Hawai'i is No. 1," Tajima said after winning his third-round heat. "The water is warm. The wave is strong. No place in the world like this."

The third round and half of the fourth round were run yesterday in 1- to 3-foot waves. The Op Pro Hawaii is the first event of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing for men.

Among the standouts from Hawai'i advancing were Flynn Novak, Ola Eleogram, Makua Rothman, Randall Paulson, T.J. Barron and Sean Moody.

Among the Hawai'i surfers eliminated yesterday were Kaipo Jaquias, Kalani Chapman, Jason Shibata, Daniel Jones, Nathan Carroll and Mason Ho.

The top-seeded surfers received byes yesterday. Among the top seeds are defending Triple Crown champion Andy Irons of Kaua'i, and Hawai'i surfers Sunny Garcia, Bruce Irons, Pancho Sullivan and Fred Patacchia Jr.