Three-time world champion Andy Irons of Kaua'i was named the 2005 Waterman of the Year by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association last week.

Irons received the award at the SIMA Waterman's Ball in Dana Point, Calif., on Saturday.

According to a press release from SIMA, Irons was recognized "for his role in raising the bar on competitive surfing and for inspiring a new generation of surfers."

The event also featured an auction of surf-related items.

The top item was a classic big-wave surfboard shaped by Hawai'i's George Downing. It received a bid of $25,000.

More than $400,000 was raised during the auction. It will be distributed in the form of grants to 10 environmental organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving the ocean.

KAUA'I'S BALLARD TO RUN ALL-FEMALE CONTEST

Rochelle Ballard of Kaua'i is organizing the first O'Neill Island Girl Junior Pro, a contest for female surfers — professional and amateur — ages 21 and younger.

The contest is scheduled for Sept. 18 at a surf spot called Prince Kuhio's on Kaua'i.

"This is an opportunity to showcase the talent of the next generation of future world champions from Hawai'i," said Ballard, the No. 4-ranked female surfer in the world.

It will be the first all-female "junior pro" contest in Hawai'i, and will offer a $5,000 purse.

The contest will be staged in conjunction with the fifth annual Rochelle Ballard O'Neill Surf Camp. The three-day camp for females ages 8 to 21 will run from Sept. 16 to 18.

It focuses on surfing technique, ocean safety, competitive strategy and health awareness. "Every year we introduce new things to advance their skills," Ballard said.

Entry fee is $35 for the camp, and another $35 for the contest.

For entry information, visit the Nukumoi Surf Co. on Kaua'i or call (808) 651-6024.