The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a prestigious surfing competition held in memory of Eddie Aikau, a legendary Hawaiian surfer and waterman. The event is named after Aikau, who was known for his fearless big wave surfing and his heroic efforts as a lifeguard at Waimea Bay. Aikau tragically lost his life at sea in 1978 while attempting to paddle for help after the voyaging canoe Hokulea capsized in rough waters.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is not your typical surf competition. It is unique in that it is only held when the conditions are absolutely perfect – when the waves at Waimea Bay reach a minimum height of 20 feet. This means that the event is not held every year, and sometimes there can be several years between competitions. This makes the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the world of big wave surfing.
The 45 surfers invited to compete in the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational are some of the best big wave riders in the world. They come from all corners of the globe, from Hawaii to California to Australia to Brazil. These surfers are known for their skill, bravery, and passion for riding the biggest waves on the planet. Each year, they eagerly await the call to compete in the event, ready to drop everything and make their way to Oahu at a moment’s notice.
This year, the 45 invited surfers had less than 48 hours to arrive on the North Shore of Oahu for the competition. The call went out on Sunday, and the surfers quickly made their travel arrangements, packing their boards and gear and hopping on planes to Hawaii. For many of them, it was a whirlwind journey, but they were eager to take on the challenge of riding the massive waves at Waimea Bay.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is not just a surf competition – it is a celebration of the spirit and legacy of Eddie Aikau. Aikau was known for his courage, his selflessness, and his love for the ocean. He was a true waterman, someone who lived and breathed the surf and the sea. The competition is held in his honor, to pay tribute to his memory and his contributions to the sport of surfing.
The surfers who compete in the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational are not just there to win – they are there to honor Eddie Aikau’s legacy and to push themselves to their limits in the pursuit of excellence. They know that riding the massive waves at Waimea Bay is no easy feat, and that it requires skill, experience, and a deep respect for the power of the ocean. But they are willing to take on the challenge, to test their abilities and to show what they are capable of in the face of nature’s raw power.
As the surfers gather on the North Shore of Oahu, there is a sense of camaraderie and excitement in the air. They know that they are about to take on one of the biggest challenges in surfing, and they are ready to give it their all. The waves at Waimea Bay are massive and powerful, but these surfers are not intimidated – they are inspired by the opportunity to ride such incredible waves and to honor the memory of Eddie Aikau.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a special event in the world of surfing, a competition that is held in honor of a true legend of the sport. The surfers who compete in the event are some of the best in the world, and they are ready to take on the challenge of riding the massive waves at Waimea Bay. As they paddle out into the lineup, they are filled with a sense of awe and respect for the power of the ocean, and a deep appreciation for the opportunity to ride such incredible waves in honor of Eddie Aikau.