Duke's Thursday

HONOLULU - August 25, 2011 - Reigning ASP world champion longboard surfing champion Duane Desoto moved one step closer to clinching a second world title today, taking first place in the Kicker Audio Presents Toes on the Nose Rabbit Kekai Longboard Classic at Waikiki. This event, rated by ASP Hawaii, is one of the feature competitions of the week-long 10th anniversary Duke's OceanFest, honoring legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku.

Desoto, 34, has been a competitor since the tender age of four and has competed in all 10 years of OceanFest. Small, inconsistent waves at Queens Surf today meant that he had to employ all 30 years of competitive savvy and experience to outpace three seasoned rivals in the 30-minute final. Desoto won $2,000, followed by second placed Kamu Auwae (Makaha, HI; $900), Scotty Fong Jr. (Honolulu, $600); and Keegan Edwards (Honolulu; $500).