The essence of China Uemura's 23rd Annual Longboard Surfing Classic was on display yesterday when 12-year-old China Soria got to compete in a contest for the first time in his life.

"We named him after China (Uemura)," Bradley Soria said. "Twelve years ago, I was surfing in this contest when my wife gave birth. We were going to name him Bradley Jr., but then I thought about this contest and everything China does, and I felt that naming my own son China would be like a blessing."

The Sorias were one of many families participating in the contest yesterday at Kuhio Beach, Waikiki.

The professional divisions were run on Thursday and Friday, and the amateur divisions started yesterday and will be completed today.

"I started this contest 23 years ago for the amateurs, so that's still my favorite part," Uemura said. "To see all these kids grow up and become pros, that makes me feel like I'm doing something right. And now I got my friends' kids entering. It makes me want to keep going."

Bradley Soria and Allen Wicklund grew up surfing with Uemura, so they have witnessed the growth of the event.

"I even remember when China had long hair," Wicklund said with a laugh.

More than 300 longboard surfers entered the event this year, ranging in age divisions from menehune (13-younger) to legends (60-older).

"This contest is only going to get bigger and better," Bradley Soria said. "China knows how to take care of people, that's why everybody wants to do this contest."

Geodee Clark started entering the contest when she was 6. Now 19 and a student at Kapi'olani Community College, she has competed every year since.

"I haven't missed one yet, and I don't think I ever will," she said. "On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say this contest is a 10. And the best part is it seems like there's waves every year."

When not surfing, the competitors can listen to live music — numerous entertainers show up to perform every year.

"It's not just about the surfing with this contest," Wicklund said. "It's like one big 'ohana."

Uemura started the contest in 1985 as his way of showing thanks to the community that supported him when he was a competitive surfer in the 1970s.

Every year, he has donated proceeds from the contest to charity. This year's beneficiary is the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"I must be getting old because I got all kinds of aches and pains in my bones now," said Uemura, 52. "But it's still rewarding to me after all these years."

CALIFORNIA UPDATE

Hawai'i surfers Dustin Cuizon and Kekoa Bacalso advanced to the sixth round of the men's division of the Honda U.S. Open of Surfing yesterday at Huntington Beach, Calif.

Fellow Hawai'i surfers Hank Gaskell and T.J. Barron were eliminated in the fifth round.

In the women's division, Hawai'i's Megan Abubo finished in a tie for ninth place. Australia's Stephanie Gilmore placed first.

TAHITI UPDATE

Hawai'i surfers Duane DeSoto and Bonga Perkins lost in the quarterfinals of the OPT Tahiti Pro Longboard contest yesterday at Papara, Tahiti.

Michel Demont from Tahiti won the contest.

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.