Last year, I was asked to surf on a media team for Outrigger Hotels & Resorts in the annual Duke’s OceanFest at Kuhio Beach.

At first, I was hesitant to participate. I hadn’t competed in a surf meet in years — and frankly, I was over it.

But the idea of surfing with just four other women — all cool chicks, too — at my favorite break in the universe — Queen’s — while supporting an event that benefits the Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s college scholarships and athletic grants program, well, it was hard to turn down the invitation.

This is my second year competing for Team Outrigger. On our first day, we didn’t do so bad. We made the best of the small — but beautiful — conditions and had a lot of fun in the lineup. My teammates — surfing diva Nancy Emerson, radio personality Crystal Akana, KITV’s Amber-Lynn Hyden and Outrigger surf instructor Joanne “JoJo” Howard — really made the experience.

Take a peek at our weekend in Waikiki:

The 'before' photo

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Here we are, before boarding the fateful flight to Las Vegas via Los Angeles that started this whole crazy adventure. Don't we look so happy? (LOL)