A weekly feature about surfing in Hawai'i. Submit comments or story ideas to dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 535-8101.

The North Shore surfing scene was relatively quiet throughout the month of January, so several events are hoping for a rise in February.

Among the contests that could run this month:

• The HIC Pipeline Pro Trials men's surfing contest is expected to run at the Banzai Pipeline today, organizers announced late yesterday.

Wave heights of up to 18 feet have been forecast, so organizers hope to run the one-day contest.

The event features several of Hawai'i's top professional surfers. The top performers will receive invitations to the Billabong Pipeline Masters in December.

• The Turbo Pipeline Pro bodyboarding contest has a holding period of Feb. 16 to 27 at the Banzai Pipeline.

The world's top bodyboarders are expected to enter, and it will count as the first event of the International Bodyboarding Association's 2009 world tour.

Brazil's Uri Valadao, the 2008 world champion, is expected to be the top seed for the contest. Top Hawai'i competitors in the field include Mike Stewart, David Hubbard and Jeff Hubbard.

• The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and the Bank of Hawaii North Shore Tow-In Championship are still awaiting for a giant swell to hit O'ahu.

Both events can run only on a day when wave-face heights are at least 40 feet.

NORTH SHORE PROS TEAM UP FOR CLINICS

Professional surfers Myles Padaca and Pancho Sullivan are offering weeklong surfing clinics as part of their new company called Progressive Surfing.

Padaca and Sullivan will provide "advanced-level coaching" at various North Shore beaches for up-and-coming surfers.

"The knowledge we've gained in managing our own competitive journey has given us unsurpassed insight into performing at the international level," Sullivan said. "Over the years, we have worked with many coaches and physical trainers and we want to pass on this vital information to future generations of aspiring surfers."

The six-day clinics start at $2,200 per surfer. For information, visit www.progressivesurfing.com.

Padaca and Sullivan are considered standout surfers on O'ahu's North Shore. Padaca is a former Triple Crown of Surfing champion; Sullivan has won multiple events at Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline.