![]() The contest is unique in that it runs only when surf reaches above 20 feet in height within the three-month waiting period. ![]() As the oldest and most prestigious big wave contest on earth, “the Eddie” is not just a surf competition it is a global event drawing millions of viewers. His legacy has never been more alive.In addition, as of December 14, 2022, we are now officially in the waiting period for the world-famous Eddie Aikau Big-Wave Invitational, hosted by the Aikau family at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore. The Hawaiian Water Patrol proved why they're the best among the best.Įddie Aikau must be proud. The 2015/2016 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau had 25,000 spectators on the beach and in the surroundings of Waimea Bay. I've only seen it run a couple of times in my life so to be a part of it, to be surfing in it, and to actually win it is such a dream come true."Īll 28 surfers rode 141 waves. It's definitely the highlight of my life for sure. I've never been a part of an event like this. "Walking down the beach, like Uncle Clyde was saying, people just screaming, and the energy was so crazy. I've lived here my whole life and I've never seen it like that," expressed Florence. "I was so nervous, I thought, 'oh gosh, I just gotta get through this day and hopefully get a couple of waves! I was riding my bike down here this morning in the dark and just the energy of how many people were parked all the way down the street. The young Pipeline Master stole the event with 301 out of 400 points. And John John Florence proved why he got the invitation. The Hawaiian legend adopted the classic, low wide stance, just like Eddie Aikau, to absorb the extra shock.īut the new generation of big wave riders is taking over. Kala Alexander followed with an acrobatic free fall.Ĭlyde Aikau, 66 and the oldest athlete of the event, paddled out in the name of his brother. Jamie O'Brien suffered one of the worst wipeouts of the contest but, soon after, recovering from the brutal beating, he was already focused on getting another bomb. There's a good vibe here," said Ross-Clarke Jones. I am 50 this year, so I'm just enjoying the event and appreciating it. We missed a few waves, but we got a couple. I always like to get the first waves, just to get the nerves off. As a result, the event had its intense rides, massive wipeouts, committed drops, and white water air drops into the abyss. Sunny Garcia was one of the first to hit dry land in grand style.Ĭritical decision making, positioning, and stress management were the most important ingredients of Waimea Bay's magic formula. ![]() ![]() Spectators love and it, and surfers did their best to touch land and greet fans. The inside shore break rides are always a crowd favorite. Riders only had to get a decent total on the leaderboard. It was really big out the back, and all invitees had 60 minutes to get the best waves.Ĭompetitors could go to Round 2 with zero waves ridden. Kelly Slater brought his giant black gun, and he was all smiles before paddling out into hell. Brock's Swell - sent by the late Brock Little - raised the bar for human greatness. John John Florence has conquered the 2015/2016 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau, in historical 45-to-60-foot surf, and occasional closeouts, at Waimea Bay. ![]()
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