Jamba Juice/Verizon NSSA Hawaii Contest #6 Banyans, Big Island • January 7 & 8, 2006 Mia Melamed Hawaii’s top amateur competitors surfed into the New Year with waves rolling in as large as head high; double over-head for the groms. Saturday’s conditions were inconsistent with trade winds blowing onto the Kona shores. Banyans captured the West-moving swell by early Sunday morning and provided two to three foot sets. Nathan Rex making the most of what was given won the Explorer Juniors with his confident front and backside slashes. Dusty Payne literally flies across the waves no matter the size and conditions; this Maui boy won the Explorer Men’s final. In the Explorer Women’s final Erika Steiner used her smarts and took advantage of the inside edging out the rest who waited on the sets that never came. Albee Layer aerial master took home the Explorer Boy’s division and Koa Smith with his front side whippersnappers won the Explorer Menehune final. In the Explorer Girl’s Leila Hurst got the most board movement and rode it till the fat lady sang. Great surfing and determination was shown throughout the Open Men’s final, as wave after wave pushed one another to only try harder. Tonino Benson pulled through at his home break taking first. Tyler Newton who earned ten’s across the board earlier in the day carried his winnings to the Open Juniors final. In the Open Women’s final Alana Blanchard walked away with the first place victory while Malia Manuel followed right behind with only a half point difference. Matty Costa came, saw and conquered the Open Boy’s division. Benji Brand proudly took the Open Mini Groms division with aggression. Cedric Caires once again nose rode all the way home with both Open and Explorer Long board division trophies with grace and style. The key to winning this past weekend wasn’t only the level of surfing but whether you wanted to take the risk and wait for a possible set or work the inside. Skills in studying the waves and learning the patterns were an advantage to help the situation. Great weather lasted throughout the weekend and congratulations to all. See you on Kauai!