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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, July 4, 2008

Maui's Larsen signs deal with Billabong

 •  When time is of essence, here's a quick, easy trail

Advertiser Staff

Maui's Granger Larsen showed last week he was ready to become a professional surfer.

Billabong was apparently watching.

Larsen signed a professional contract with the Billabong surf apparel company this week — just a few days after winning two divisions at the NSSA National Championships at San Clemente, Calif.

"Coming straight out of the amateur ranks, I feel really lucky to get a spot on the Billabong team," said Larsen, 18. "Plus, just being on a team with guys like Andy Irons, Taj Burrow, Joel Parkinson, Shane Dorian and Mark Occhilupo really makes me happy."

Details of the contract were not released. Larsen is expected to receive a salary from Billabong, and appear in promotional videos and ads for the company.

"Billabong sees Granger as a future star and an ideal complement to our current world class team," said Enich Harris, marketing director of Billabong USA. "For his age group he is at the top of his game."

Larsen has already received a perk from Billabong — a trip to South Africa to compete in the trials for next week's Billabong Pro.

BODYBOARD CONTEST ON TAP AT SANDY'S

The Senor Frog's Sandy Beach Pro bodyboarding contest is scheduled to run tomorrow and Sunday at Sandy Beach.

The event will feature separate divisions for professional men and women, and some of the nation's top bodyboarders are expected to enter.

The contest is part of the United States Bodyboarding Association National Championship Tour.

There will also be amateur divisions for various age groups. For information, visit www.bodyboarding.tv.

LONGBOARD CONTEST WILL BE AT KEWALO'S

The Steinlager Shaka Longboard Series will continue this weekend at Kewalo Basin.

Most of the state's top longboard surfers are expected to compete.

It will be the third of five events in the series. Kamu Auwae of Nanakuli is the leader in the overall standings after the first two contests.