Surfing Becomes High School Sport In Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) -- Surfing will soon become an official high school sport in Hawaii.

 Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state education officials are expected to announce Monday that surfing will join the likes of football, basketball, volleyball and swimming as a state-sanctioned prep sport.

A news conference was scheduled on Waikiki beach near the statue of island icon Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic gold medal swimmer known as the father of modern surfing.

Surfing is part of the culture in Hawaii, known for its world-class surf breaks and competitions. The Aloha State is home to many pro surfers and has produced several world champions.