Hawai'i surfers were key contributors in Team USA's victories in the surfing competition of the X Games over the past two days.

The "USA vs. The World" surfing competition was held in 4- to 8-foot waves at Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

Wai'anae's Melanie Bartels was selected the Most Valuable Player of the women's surfing competition Wednesday, when the USA beat the World team, 55-52.

Bartels scored a team-high 18.5 points, including an 8.5 (out of 10) for a barrel ride.

"I just kept pumping and saw it running," she said. "It was probably my longest barrel ever. All the other girls were telling me to go. If it wasn't for them, I probably wouldn't have got it. I like this as a team sport. It's more relaxing knowing they're here to support you."

Bartels was one of five Hawai'i surfers on the women's team. The others were Megan Abubo, Rochelle Ballard, Keala Kennelly and Carissa Moore.

Bartels, Ballard and Kennelly combined to score 43.5 of the team's 55 points.

Moore, 14, was the youngest surfer in the field, but she was a reserve and did not get to surf in the competition.

The World team roster included world champion Layne Beachley from Australia, and former world champ Sofia Mulanovich of Peru.

In the men's competition yesterday, Maui's Clay Marzo helped lead Team USA to an 81.75-81 victory over Team World.

Marzo, 17, the youngest surfer in the men's competition, scored 22 of his team's points. His 7.0 ride in the closing minutes of the final period clinched the victory.

"He doesn't know it yet, but that was probably one of the most historic moments in Clay's life," USA coach Matt Kechele said.

Marzo was the only Hawai'i surfer on the men's roster. California's Chris Ward received the only perfect 10 of the competition, and was named the MVP.

The surfing competitions will be televised nationally Aug. 4. The men's event will air on ABC; the women's event will air on ESPN.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.