The world's only big-wave contest for the sport of stand-up paddle surfing could run any day between today and Feb. 28 at Makaha Beach.

The Quiksilver Ku Ikaika Challenge can run only on a day when wave-face heights are at least 15 feet at Makaha.

The one-day event will feature 32 competitors from around the world.

Hawaiian waterman Aaron Napoleon won last year's inaugural Ku Ikaika Challenge, and is among the list of invited competitors again this year.

Also in this year's field are longboard world champion Bonga Perkins of Hale'iwa, former surfing world champion Tom Carroll of Australia, former windsurfing world champ Robbie Naish of Kailua, and paddleboarding world champion Jamie Mitchell of Australia.

Other notable entries include Gerry Lopez, Brian Keaulana, Rusty Keaulana, Duane DeSoto and Mel Pu'u.

The sport of stand-up paddle surfing — also known as SUP — is a combination of canoe-paddling and surfing. The competitors stand on longboards and use a canoe paddle to stroke into the waves.

C4 Waterman, the company primarily responsible for the recent surge in the sport's popularity, is also a sponsor for the contest.

BODYBOARDER STEWART TO SHOWCASE MOVIE

A new bodyboarding movie featuring Hawai'i's Mike Stewart will be unveiled on Jan. 23 at Dave & Buster's in the Ward Entertainment Center.

The movie is titled "Fire," and was in production for more than 10 years.

Stewart, who is from Kailua, Kona, is considered the greatest competitor in the history of bodyboarding.

There will be two showings on Jan. 23 — 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission is $10, and it is open to all ages.

Stewart will be present to raffle prizes from T&C Surf and Mike Stewart Science bodyboards.

COSTA TAKES JUNIOR DIVISION AT SANDY'S

Matty Costa of Makaha won both the junior men's and open men's divisions at the Hawai'i Surfing Association's Hard Rock Cafe Series last weekend at Sandy Beach.

Although conditions were less than ideal, Costa managed to score a 9.0 (out of 10) to clinch the win in the coveted junior men's final.

"Waves were super weak, but it was good training for contests because not all contests are going to be held in super good waves," said Costa, 15. "And it's fun if you get the right one."

Kylen Yamakawa of Honolulu placed second to Costa in both divisions.

Other division winners were: Devin Jaime (men), Kaulana Apo (menehune), Austin Vicente (boys), Thomas Spear (masters), Robert Howard (senior men) and Beau Hodge (grandmasters).

The contest was the sixth of 10 stops on the Hard Rock Cafe Series.