The Reef Hawaiian Pro was on hold yesterday, but the beach at Haleiwa was still packed with spectators in lieu of the first ever World Miss Reef Hawaiian Pro, presented by Seven Tiki Rum. Eleven Miss Reef hopefuls from around the world emerged on stage at the Reef Hawaiian Pro contest site at Ali’i Beach Park on the North Shore of Oahu for a piece of a $10,000 prize purse. In the end, Miss Reef Panama, Betzida Herrera, won over the crowd, the judges and the viewers of the live webcast to be crowned the 2010 World Miss Reef.

The World Miss Reef Hawaiian Pro was just as competitive as any surf event to take place on the North Shore this winter. Regional Miss Reef contest winners from the Netherlands, Indonesia, Barbados, Peru, Panama, Argentina and the U.S. awed the judges with a diverse range of exotic beauty, poise and charm.

The judges, including Rob Machado, Mike Losness, Parker Coffin and Dean “Dingo” Morrison had the difficult task of narrowing down the Miss Reef contestants to the final three. After much deliberation, Miss Reef Argentina, Natalia Baccino, took third place, while Miss Reef Peru, Vanessa Tello, took second. Miss Reef Panama, Betzaida Herrera’s first place win granted her $5000 and a guaranteed spot in the 2012 Miss Reef Calendar.

Long time Reef ambassador, Rob Machado, added, “Judging was tough, all of the girls had something unique about them. Haleiwa never looked so good.“

The World Miss Reef competition will be broadcast again via www.vanstriplecrownofsurfing.com during the remaining holding period of the Reef Hawaiian Pro, which will end on November 23rd.

Photo credit : Paulo Dias and Kelly Cestari / ASP