Deffenbaugh, Andino Handle Big Waves at Katin Challenge

Jeff Deffenbaugh of Huntington Beach and Dino Andino of San Clemente advanced to the final of the Katin Team Challenge surfing championships in waves up to 10 feet Saturday south of the Huntington Beach Pier.

Deffenbaugh, the 1993 champion of the event, won his semifinal heat and Peter Mel of Santa Cruz was second to also advance. Deffenbaugh and Mel are at their best in big waves, which are expected again today.

Andino was second behind Seth Elmer of San Diego in the other semifinal.

Elmer had the ride of the day, catching a left-hander with a 10-foot face. He made several slashing moves and capped it by shooting the pier. He received a perfect score of 10 on the wave.

Surfing starts at 7 this morning with the tag-team competition. The individual final is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. and there is also an air show, a costume heat and the high school team final.