Honolulu's Kekoa Uemura won the Hang Ten Cup longboard surfing contest last week at Kugenuma Beach, Shonan, Japan.

Uemura received $6,000 for the victory. The contest was part of the Japan Professional Surfing Association.

Uemura is expected to compete in several other JPSA events this year, including two more this month. Uemura, who is currently Hawai'i's top-ranked longboard surfer, is the son of legendary Hawai'i surfer and contest promoter China Uemura.

Kekoa Uemura and several other Hawai'i surfers are expected to compete in the 13th annual Rabbit Kekai International Longboard Classic, June 21-29 at Boca Barranca, Costa Rica. The winner of that contest will be crowned the 2006 world champion of longboard surfing.

In longboard surfing events, all surfers must ride boards at least 9 feet long.

WAHINE CLASSIC THIS WEEKEND AT WAIKIKI

More than 200 females of all ages are expected to compete in China Uemura's 10th annual Wahine Surfing Classic this weekend at Kuhio Beach, Waikiki.

There will be separate age divisions for shortboard surfing, longboard surfing and bodyboarding. There also will be a pro-am division, with the prize money based on the number of entries.

The contest will run tomorrow and Sunday. Entries are still being accepted. For information, visit www.chinauemura.com.