Da Hui Backdoor Shootout holds second day of competition

Jade Eckardt

HALEIWA—Da Hui Backdoor Shootout is on today at Ehukai Beach Park in waves reported to be 10 to 15 feet, or two to three times overhead by Surfline.com. This is the second day of the 7th annual contest, after the first day being held this past Monday, January 3.

The contest’s holding period is running from January 3 to January 13. According to DaHui.com, the contest “boasts the most participation of Hawaii born surfers.” The contest utilizes a unique judging format which involves three rounds of no elimination, four man heats and each surfer’s best three waves are scored.

the teams entered this year are Da Hui, Quiksilver, Oakley, Hurley, Red Bull, Billabong, Volcom, and North Shore Boys. Hawaii’s Jamie O’Brien won last year, with Pancho Sullivan of the North Shore winning in 2004, the last time the contest was held.

Surfline reported that the occasional 18-foot waves are expected to come through the infamous North Shore surf spot, and is calling conditions “good to epic” with a new west-north-west swell topping out in the morning with light east veering wind.