After a three-year absence, the Backdoor Shootout surf meet will resume after the official opening ceremony at 9 a.m. Dec. 30 at 'Ehukai Beach Park.

The popular surf meet last ran in 2004 and hasn't been able to proceed due to lack of a permit or adequate waves during the holding period. The contest must run during its holding period, Jan. 2-13.

This contest will have the most participation of Hawai'i-born surfers, organizers say. It has a unique "no-elimination" judging format that includes three rounds of nonelimination four-man heats, and only the best three waves scored.

Pancho Sullivan won the last Shootout, earning $40,000.

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