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HONOLULU (AP) — Female professional surfers are competing for the first time in a big wave surfing competition hosted by the World Surf League.

The contest is being held Friday at the surf break Peahi — also known as Jaws — on Maui.

Contest organizers say wave faces could reach 40 feet.

League spokesman Dave Prodan says there are more men than women involved in the sport internationally, and it’s challenging to accommodate bigger groups when there’s a small window of time when ocean conditions are right.

Competitor Bianca Valenti says it’s a big step forward for women in surfing.