Posted at 8:19 p.m., Saturday, July 28, 2007
Uemura's surf contest big hit for all
By DAYTON MORINAGA
Advertiser Staff Writer
"We named him after China (Uemura)," Bradley Soria said. "Twelve years ago, I was surfing in this contest when my wife gave birth. We were going to name him Bradley Jr., but then I thought about this contest and everything China does, and I felt that naming my own son China would be like a blessing."
The Sorias were one of many families participating in the contest yesterday at Kuhio Beach, Waikiki.
The professional divisions were run on Thursday and Friday, and the amateur divisions started today and will be completed tomorrow.
"I started this contest 23 years ago for the amateurs, so that's still my favorite part," Uemura said. "To see all these kids grow up and become pros, that makes me feel like I'm doing something right. And now I got my friends' kids entering. It makes me want to keep going."
