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HONOLULU -- Charging into violent waves at a Maui surf break known as Jaws, a group of women made history Friday as they competed for the first time in the World Surf Leagues big-wave surfing competition.The female competitors paddled into mountains of turquoise water towering more than 30 feet, but the wind shifted at the start of the first heat and several were pummeled by an unexpected breaking wave.Women have pushed for years to be included in big-wave surfing competitions, while organizers of some contests argued that conditions at famous breaks such as Mavericks in California were too dangerous for women.That competition will include women for the first time this season after state regulators said they might refuse to grant a permit if women were not included. And for the World Surf League, which holds professional competitions around the globe, its been a matter of getting enough participants to hold a womens event.Competitor Bianca Valenti, who has pushed for women to be included in professional big-wave surf contests, called the day a big step forward for women in the sport.Its the least we can do to speak to the election the other day, Valenti told The Associated Press in a phone interview before the competition, referring to Hillary Clintons defeat by President-elect Donald Trump.I watched Hillarys concession speech and what she was saying -- how important it was for women to really stand up now more than ever to break the glass ceiling -- and that really resonated a lot, Valenti added.There are 12 women and 24 men competing in separate events at the perilous Hawaii break, where competitors training regimes include building up the ability to hold their breath underwater for four minutes in case they are pinned under by crashing waves.Paige Alms, a surfer from Hawaii, had a few humbling wipeouts, but won the competition.I still feel like its kind of a dream, but ah, I cant believe it, Alms told the World Surf League after her win. What a blessing to be out there with just a couple girls. That was special, for sure.Two women were taken to the hospital with knee injuries during Fridays first heat, and Valentis surfboard broke in half during the second heat when she wiped out on a wave.The World Surf League only recently began holding a big-wave competition, spokesman Dave Prodan said. With a small window of time when conditions are right, its hard to accommodate a large group of men and women, he added.Women have for years and years been participating in the big-wave community, but probably only in recent years have you had a jump in participation to the point where you have that depth in the field to hold an event, Prodan said.In California, the renowned big-wave competition Titans of Mavericks agreed to include women for the first time this season, although it has not yet been held.This is really about paving the way for the future generations and creating opportunities for them, Valenti said. Just the importance of using our voice all the time and speaking up for what we want. D.K. Metcalf Seahawks Jersey . Tests earlier this week revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain for Sabathia, who was hurt in last Fridays start against San Francisco. Its an injury that will require about eight weeks to heal. He finished a disappointing campaign just 14-13 with a career-worst 4. Michael Dickson Seahawks Jersey . In the lead up - which seemed to begin the moment Mike Geiger blew the whistle in Houston last Thursday night - the Impact rumour mill went into overdrive. The speculation went into meltdown mode, of the golden nugget variety. http://www.seahawksfansofficial.com/shaquem-griffin-jersey/ . Jordan Lynch, the all-purpose Heisman Trophy finalist from Northern Illinois, failed to make it into that exclusive club. Richard Sherman Youth Jersey . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. Ugo Amadi Womens Jersey . Coach Tom Thibodeau says the former MVP will probably start travelling with the team in the next few weeks. Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee at Portland in November and was ruled out for the remainder of the season by the Bulls.MILAN - AC Milan striker Robinho has extended his contract with the Serie A club until the end of the 2015-2016 season. Robinho had been heavily linked with a return to his boyhood club Santos, but the Brazilian club was unable to finance the deal. The 29-year-olds contract was set to expire next summer and Milan confirms Robinho has signed a two-year extension until June 30, 2016.dddddddddddd Robinho, who also played for Real Madrid and Manchester City, joined Milan in 2010. ' ' '