17-year-old Wilcox a surprise grand champ
Honolulu Advertiser, July 3, 2009

Kaneali'i Wilcox of Makakilo stunned a record field by winning the grand championship of the Redwings Memorial World Championships of Handboarding last weekend.

The two-day contest was run in "all-time epic" conditions at Point Panic.

"This was the 11th annual contest, and I would say it was the best conditions we've ever had," contest director Michael Kliks said. "There were waves of 12 feet, top to bottom. Just all-time epic waves for bodysurfing."

Wilcox, a senior-to-be at Kamehameha Schools, upset several more experienced competitors to win the grand championship.

"I was totally surprised," said Wilcox, 17. "I was happy just to be in the final against those guys."

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