The North Shore's famous surfing season will begin soon with the 22nd annual Xcel Pro.

More than 150 surfers from around the world are expected to compete in the three-day contest at Sunset Beach.

Competition will run on the three best days between today and Nov. 10.

"We've had the same concept since the start — to highlight the young surfers, and give all the surfers a chance to get ready for the rest of the season," contest owner Ed D'Ascoli said.

The Xcel Pro is considered the kickoff event for the North Shore season. After the Xcel Pro is completed, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing will begin.

Contest officials hope to run the Xcel Pro in 20-foot waves, but it could also take place in 2- to 3-foot waves, if necessary.

"Basically, the guys have to be ready to surf big waves and small waves," D'Ascoli said. "A lot of the guys can surf in small waves, but not that many can perform in big waves."

In any case, there will be a new champion.

Fred Patacchia Jr. won last year's Xcel Pro, but he will be competing in another event in Brazil next week.

Many of Hawai'i's top surfers won the Xcel Pro while they were still considered up-and-coming professionals, including Andy Irons, Bruce Irons and Sunny Garcia.

"A lot of the young guys do well in this contest and then they move on to bigger things," D'Ascoli said. "So it's a great opportunity for these young guys to make a name for themselves and gain some exposure."

For information on the event and a link to a live webcast, visit xcelwetsuits.com.

WORLD TITLE RACE MOVES TO BRAZIL

The men's 2005 World Championship Tour will continue next week with the Nova Schin Festival at Florianopolis, Brazil.

Florida's Kelly Slater and Kaua'i's Andy Irons are the only two surfers in contention for this year's world title.

Slater is ranked No. 1 with 7,896 points through nine of 11 events. Irons is No. 2 with 7,128.

In short, Irons needs a strong showing in the final two events to have a shot at winning his fourth consecutive title.

Slater, who owns a record six world championships, can clinch the 2005 title next week by finishing ahead of Irons.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.