Hank Gaskell of Maui was a surprised winner of the Xcel Pro men’s surfing contest today.

The semifinals and final were completed this morning in wave-face heights of around 10 to 15 feet at Sunset Beach.
Gaskell, 23, earned the first significant professional victory of his career by defeating North Shore stalwarts Pancho Sullivan and Myles Padaca in the final.
"I was just hoping I got second," Gaskell said. "I honestly didn’t think I had it. Those guys are so good out there."
Gaskell’s best wave came early in the 35-minute final, receiving a score of 8.17 (out of 10). He finished with a two-wave total of 13.67.
Sullivan placed second with a two-wave total of 12.13. Sullivan won the Xcel Pro last year, and owns a record-tying four Xcel championships.
Padaca placed third and Shane Beschen of California was fourth.
Gaskell received $5,000 and a trip to Tahiti to compete in a contest next year. He said the money — and the trip — will come in handy because he is currently competing without any sponsorships.
The Xcel Pro is the annual kickoff event for the famous North Shore surfing season. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing is scheduled to start Nov. 12.