This was the first time in seven years it's been held. [14] The first Eddie was held at Sunset Beach in 1985;[15] in 1987 Eddie Aikau's younger brother Clyde Aikau won the Eddie after it moved to Waimea Bay[15][16]), The most recent tournament was in January 2023, when waves in the bay reached 30 to 50 feet (15m) high. Aikau, a native Hawaiian big-wave surfer, was lost at sea in 1978, having volunteered to go for help when a canoe trip seeking to recreate an ancient Polynesian essential reading for any surfer Eddie Aikau was a championship surfer and athlete, but his legacy marked with a Google Doodle on Saturday in several countries, including the United States is for his bravery as a lifeguard. }}, {{ lot.estimate_low? Shepardson, a 27 The boat capsized in the open sea, and Eddie decided to paddle toward shore to fetch help for his crew members and was never seen again. For the first time in seven years, one of the worlds most prestigious and hard-to-schedule surfing competitions returned to the North Shore of Oahu. Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau (Kahului, Hawaii, May 5, 1946 March 17, 1978) was a Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. Womens Big Wave Champion Keala Kennelly wowed the crowd with her fearlessness as she took off on some of the biggest sets of the day,free-falling several stories on one wave. On the womens side, Brisa Hennessy took home the trophy and the top spot on the WSL leaderboard heading into Portugal. The GOAT-like legends who comprised the womens invitees put on a serious show for the avid crowds. Surfers attend the event by invitation from the Aikau family, and theres no greater honor in surfing.This year, a total of 40 surfers have been so honored. (days+'d '):''}}{{(days != 0 || hours != 0)? | translate }}, {{ (viewVars.currentRouteName == 'live-auction-mobile' && viewVars.brand == 'n4-dorotheum') ? (((viewVars.currentRouteName == 'live-auction-mobile' && viewVars.brand == 'n4-dorotheum') ? Because the contest is such a rare occurrence, many surfers chose to paddle out with injuries. ( convertCurrency(lot.estimate_high, lot.auction.currency_code, currency.currency_code, viewVars.lotCurrencies.result_page) | price : null : null ) : Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively All surfers are eligible, who are age 18 and older. Anticipation that The Eddie would run this year had been building for over a week, with the contest briefly given the go-ahead before being put on hold. The North Shores own John John Florence started heat 1 with a bang, catching two quick rides. The Eddie is an event steeped in history and heritage, a celebration of the life of the first ever lifeguard hired by the city of Honolulu to work on the North Shore, Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau. For those unfamiliar, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a monumental event in surfing that, until last Sunday, hasnt run since 2015. He removed his life jacket since it was hindering his paddling of the surfboard. Aftertaking off on bomb after bomb, the lifeguard found himself atop the leaderboard at the end of the last heat with a total wave score of 89.1, beating out former Eddie Winner John John Florence for the title. It developed a leak in one of its hulls and later capsized about twelve miles (19km) south of the island of Molokai. Luke Shepardson is a North Shore lifeguard who was on duty during the contest and paddled out in his guard trunks after leaving the lifeguard stand for his heat. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Luke Shepardson is congratulated by fellow surfers Landon McNamara (left) and Billy Kemper after winning the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay. Eddie met an early demise while crewing a boat as part of the. Luke Shepardson, a surfer and lifeguard from the North Shore of Oahu, defeated some of the biggest names in the sport, including the two-time world champion John John Florence. The event does not allow the use of jet skis to tow surfers into the waves. [1], Born in Kahului, Maui, Aikau was the second child of Solomon and Henrietta Aikau. FILE - Participants in the In Memory of Eddie Aikau walk out of the ocean at sunset after the opening ceremony in Waimea Bay near Haleiwa, Hawaii, on Nov. 30, 2006. I told myself, Im in it because I can win it, Shepardson said. The winner would be crowned eventually. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images). I want to praise every single contestant who paddled out because just paddling out today was a feat in itself, and congratulations to all the contestants.. }}, {{ lot.estimate_low? Eddie's story was told by Karen Kilgariff on episode 160 of the podcast My Favorite Murder, which aired February 14, 2019. Luke Shephardson, the winner of The Eddie on Sunday, won $10,000 in prize money as well as 350,000 Hawaiian miles, though it is likely he will now go on to earn more Other past winners include surfing veterans Kelly Slater in 2002 and Ross Clarke-Jones, who competed again this year, in 2001. The celebrated contest is held in memory of the famed North Shore lifeguard and waterman Eddie Aikau. This past Sunday, a historic swell hit the Hawaiian Islands, and the event was called on. The phrase stuck and then Eddie went. Theres been nine winners of the Eddie so far. From its gentle beginning at Sunset Beach in 1985, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has formed itself into surfings greatest event, and in its Shop Now, 8 OF THE BEST FEMALE SURF RETREATS FOR 2023, Where To Surf In Italy The Wavelength Guide. WebEddie Aikau was a humble man who was larger than life. Surf competition 'The Eddie' returns to Hawaii. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. ("LotIsClosed" | translate) : ("ItemIsClosed" | translate) }}, ({{lot.auction_lot_group.auction_lot_count}}), ({{ LotService.buyersPremium(lot, LotService.currentAbsenteeBid(lot).max_bid) | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP), ({{ lot.starting_price | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP), ({{ LotService.buyersPremium(lot, bid) | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP), {{ lot.minimum_autosell_amount | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ lot.starting_price | price:(lot.currency_code) }}, - {{ lot.estimate_high? (days+'d '):''}}{{(days != 0 || hours != 0)? WebEddie Aikau is one. EMAIL videos or photos of the waves ridden at Waimea Bay, on the North Shore of Oahu to. Former champ, John John Florence, demonstrated why he is inarguably a cemented Royal of The North Shore, his smooth rides claiming second place, with Mark Healey taking third. Ross Clark-Jones (yellow), Luke Shepardson (white), Michael Ho (orange), Ramon Navarro (red), Tyler Larronde (black)**********************************************Watch: 20ft+ Red Bull Recap: The Almost Eddie Swell. 2023 Getty Images. I've got a waiver signed with Like the events namesake, he has a deep love and respect for the ocean. Because conditions must be perfect, the Eddie has only been held 9 times since 1985. All Rights Reserved. ( convertCurrency(lot.estimate_low, lot.auction.currency_code, currency.currency_code, viewVars.lotCurrencies.result_page) | price : null : null ) : Shop Now , Home HISTORY IS MADE AT THE 10TH EDDIE AIKAU BIG WAVE INVITATIONAL. With 40 total competitors and 18 alternates, the single-day contest lasted the majority of Sunday. Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau (Kahului, Hawaii, May 5, 1946 March 17, 1978) was a Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. 2. Eddie went on to save some whopping 500 people during his career. Trim a little, Hang your Toes! Aikau saved more than 500 people during his career but during a journey in 1978 re-enacting an ancient route of Polynesian migration between Hawaii and Tahiti, the | translate }}, {{ (viewVars.currentRouteName == 'live-auction-mobile' && viewVars.brand == 'n4-dorotheum') ? WebStill/Life Gold screen winner at the Young Director Award Cannes 2019, Asian Academy Award Winner. Thankfully, the wild rescue by Hawaiian Water Patrol, Noland Kealuana, who ditched his jet ski and dove into the churning waters to save Kala, meant the young ripper had a close call, but has since been in recovery after a stint in ICU. Sale Price: $24.00 Original Price: $34.00. | translate }}, {{ 'BIDCOUNT' | translate:{BIDCOUNT: WMService.auctionBidsLotCount(auction,[])} }}, {{ WMService.hasProduct('realEstateHybrid') === false ? Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser, via Associated Press. Local lifeguards were even kept busy by the crowds, unheeding their advice and facing sweeping waves up the beach washing away possessions and limbs. Shepardson is the perfect person to win the Eddie. The 27-year-old accepted the award wearing his yellow lifeguard t-shirt and red board shorts, saying it was a dream come true simply to participate in the competition According to maritime historian Mac Simpson, "Aikau was a legend on the North Shore, pulling people out of waves that no one else would dare to. A cultural renaissance in the historic city of Yangon. EMAIL videos or photos of the waves ridden at Waimea Bay, on the North Shore of Oahu to: [email protected]. Because the contest is such a rare occurrence, many surfers chose to paddle out with injuries. Proving his body must be crafted from kevlar, Billy Kemper, a few extra stitches in place, had recovered well enough to drop into some bombs, claiming 4th place overall. The event was cancelled for 2017 but the AiKau has brought it back with largely local sponsors for 2018-19[13] the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. WebEdward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau (Kahului, Hawaii, May 4, 1946 March 17, 1978) was a Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. ' Live Auction' : ( 'Bid Live' | translate )}}, {{ ::WMService.liveBidButtonText() | translate }}, {{ [ "January", "February", "March", "April", "May", "June", "July", "August", "September", "October", "November", "December" ][property.month]}} {{property.year}}, {{property.revenue|price:lot.currency_code}}, {{property.expenses|price:lot.currency_code}}, {{property.profit|price:lot.currency_code}}. {{ WMService.hasProduct('realEstateHybrid') === false ? This was the first time in seven years it coutez Meet the on-duty lifeguard who won Hawaii's iconic big wave event par ABC SPORT Daily instantanment sur votre tablette, tlphone ou navigateur, sans Beyond his work saving lives, Eddie Aikau was a highly accomplished surfer and big wave pioneer, riding his iconic red board at maxing Waimea Bay and winning the Multiple surfers deployed their safety vests underwater, pulling a tab that inflated the vests and lifted them above the white water. When he was announced as the winner, Shepardson was hoisted onto the shoulders of his fellow competitors, doused in beer, and mobbed by spectators eager to get a photo. Because conditions must be perfect, the Eddie has only been held 9 times since 1985. If you missed this years Eddie, theres still plenty of winter surfing action to catch on the North Shore. There is nothing like the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, inside surfing or out. They performed the song at the Full Service Circus in May 2013. [17] The contest invites only 28 big-wave riders to participate in two rounds of competition. '-':'' }}{{ lot.estimate_high ? (((viewVars.currentRouteName == 'live-auction-mobile' && viewVars.brand == 'n4-dorotheum') ? In his capacity as a lifeguard, he saved over 500 people and became renowned for surfing gigantic Hawaiian waves and winning several events including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. ("Timed Auction" | translate) : ("Live Auction" | translate) }}, {{ viewVars.brand == 'hdh' ? Another variation used recently during the 2008 election campaign for Honolulu rail transit was the slogan, "Eddie would ride.". }} {{ (lot.estimate_low && lot.estimate_high)? Eddie Aikau was the first Waimea lifegaurd who died paddling in the Kaiwi Channel attempting to save others on a sinking boat. Its safe to say thats what Eddie would have done, too. Throughout the event, Hawaiis surfers seemed to shine the brightest, including our very own Jamie OBrien. Since its inception in 1985 the tournament has only been held 10 times, due to a precondition that open-ocean swells reach a minimum of 20 feet (this translates to a wave face height of over 30 feet). {{ "Optimized for your Mobile Device" | translate }}, {{ "Download our free app for an optimal bidding experience:" | translate }}, {{days!=0? 31-year-old Eddie Aikau had joined the Polynesian Voyaging Societys quest to recreate the journey of ancient Polynesians. Like the legendary Eddie Aikau, Luke showed immeasurable skill and superior knowledge of the ocean with his wave selection. Among the 40 invitees were 6 women competitors who more than held their own throughout the event. | translate }} {{ LotService.bidSuggestions(lot,1)[0] | price:lot.currency_code }}), {{ "Let other bidders know you are serious about this item and instantly raise the current bid to a higher amount." Surfs UP! By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.' This was the first time in seven years it Lytt til Meet the on-duty lifeguard who won Hawaii's iconic big wave event fra ABC SPORT Daily direkte p mobilen din, surfetavlen eller nettleseren - ingen nedlastinger 's' : ''}}), x {{ lot.quantity }} = {{ LotService.calculateTotalBidCost(lot, LotService.currentAbsenteeBid(lot).max_bid) | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ LotService.lotOrGroupSoldPrice(lot) }}, ({{ LotService.buyersPremium(lot, LotService.bidSuggestions(lot,1)[0]) | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP), ({{lot.starting_price | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP), {{ ::LotService.lotOrGroupSoldPrice(lot) }}, {{ ::LotService.lotSoldPrice(lot)|price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ "Highest Bid" | translate | uppercase }}, {{ lot.web_module.buyersPremium | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP, {{ lot.starting_price | price:lot.currency_code }} INCL BP, {{ lot.starting_price | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ ::"Pre bidding starts:" | translate }}, - {{ "Auction Software by" | translate }}, {{viewVars.brand == 'genco' ? [citation needed], In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society was seeking volunteers for a 30-day, 2,500-mile (4,000km) journey to re-enact the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian island chains. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vtg 2005 Hawaii Surfing Championship NSSA Signed Trophy KAUAI Hanalei Pinetrees at the best online prices at eBay! Some surfers immediately went airborne, trying to stand but instead plummeting from the height of a fourth-floor balcony. Just paddling out for one of these heats is prized by every surfer whos ever taken part. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii musician Lopaka Rootz released a reggae single honoring Eddie Aikau called "Eddie." HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a go, organizers said Thursday. This past Sunday, a historic swell hit the Hawaiian Islands, and the event was called on. Ive got to get back to the tower to make sure everyones OK until the end of the day.. A stacked roster of big-wave legends saw previous champions Ross Clarke-Jones, fellow OGS Michael Ho, Shane Dorian and Peter Mel, take to the water alongside infamous chargers Kai Lenny, Ian Walsh and Nathan Fletcher. All Rights Reserved. The documentary produced for television details Aikau's life from childhood to his death and won an Emmy for Best Sports Documentary Series, making it one of the few surf-related films to ever receive such recognition.[21][22]. 1990's good condition with normal wear as pictured. If you feel like braving the Hawaiian surf yourself, our professional surf instructors will teach you to surf in the calm waters of Turtle Bay at our North Shore Surf School. ("Lot" | translate) : ("Item" | translate) }} {{lot.lot_number}}{{lot.lot_number_extension}}, {{ lot.lot_number }}{{ lot.lot_number_extension }}, {{lot.deposit_amount | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ LotService.currentAbsenteeBid(lot).max_bid | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ LotService.lotSoldPrice(lot)|price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ ::"Pending" | translate | uppercase }}, {{ ::"Highest Bid" | translate | uppercase }}, {{lot.starting_price | price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ currency.currency_code }} {{ ['USD','CAD'].indexOf(currency.currency_code) > -1 ? The vessel capsized off the coast of Lanai and after waiting for rescue, Aikau took his surfboard and paddled toward shore to get help. Nobody has ever won it twice.Former winners:Denton Miyamura (1987), Clyde Aikau (1986), Keone Downing (1990), Noah Johnson (1999), Ross Clarke-Jones (2001), Kelly Slater (2002), Bruce Irons (2004), Greg Long (2009), John Florence (2016)**********************************************ROUND ONE______________Heat 1:Andrea Moller, Aaron Gold, Greg Long, John John Florence, Koa Rothman, Mark Healey, Nathan Fletcher, Shane DorianR1 Heat 2:Emily Erickson, Ian Walsh, Josh Moniz, Kohl Christiansen, Makua Rothman, Ross Clark-Jones, Kahea Hart, Mikey ReddR1 Heat 3:Justine Dupont, Keala Kennelly, Eli Olson, Jake Maki, Kai Lenny, Landon McNamara, Nic Von Rupp, Taio Shipman R1 Heat 4:Makani Adric, Ezekiel Lau, Chris Owen, Keali'i Mamala, Lucas Chianca, Mason Ho, Peter Mel, Tikanui SmithHeat 5:Paige Alms, Grant Twiggy Baker, Jamie Mitchell, Billy Kemper, Luke Shepardson, Michael Ho, Ramon Navarro, Tyler Larronde **********************************************ROUND TWO______________Heat 1Andrea Moller (pink), Aaron Gold (blue), Greg Long (purple), John John Florence (yellow), Eli Olson (white), Jake Maki (orange), Kai Lenny (red), Landon McNamara (black)Heat 2Emily Erickson (pink), Koa Rothman (blue), Mark Healey (purple), Nathan Fletcher (yellow), Nic von Rupp (white), Taio Shipman (orange), Ezekiel Lau (red), Chris Owen(black)Heat 3Justine Dupont (pink), Keala Kennelly (blue), Shane Dorian (purple), Kahea Hart (yellow), Keali'i Mamala (white), Lucas Chianca (orange), Mason Ho (red), Peter Mel (black)Heat 4Makani Adric (pink), Ian Walsh (blue), Josh Moniz (purple)Kohl Christensen (yellow), Tikanui Smith (white), Grant Twiggy Baker (orange), Jamie Mitchell (red), Billy Kemper (black)Heat 5Paige Alms (pink), Makuakai Rothman (blue), Mikey Red (purple). No scores were shown on the livestream, and at one point during the second round of heats, it was announced that Clyde Aikau, Eddies brother and the contest director, would keep the leaderboard under wraps until everyone was safely on shore. Then there were the surfers who skipped down the face of a wave like stones on a pond, and others who somersaulted over the lip. | translate }} {{ LotService.bidSuggestions(lot,1)[0] | price:lot.currency_code }}), {{ "Let other bidders know you are serious about this item and instantly raise the current bid to a higher amount." The waves were huge and the conditions were extremely dangerous. WebThe titles continued to pile uphis 11th title in 2011 came at age 39and he added a sixth Pipeline Masters trophy in 2008. There are many ways to wipe out on a 50-foot wave, none of them good. Packed crowds made the pilgrimage through the dead of the night to stake a coveted place and watch the show unfold, with wild scenes captured by infamous wave-worshiper and photographer, Clark Little, illustrating just what a hot ticket a front-row seat to the action was. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The waves were huge, and it was a dream come true just to be part of The Eddie, just to be on the alternate list. [7] [2] In 1971, Aikau was named Lifeguard of the Year. The Eddie Aikau Big-Wave Invitational is one of the most prestigious surfing events of all time. WebLength: 34"Width: 6 1/2" Original Eddie Aikau memorial big wave board trophy. World's most iconic big-wave event returns to Waimea Bay.WHAT ARE WE WATCHING?The word unique is thrown around a lot. The Eddie, as its called, pays homage to Eddie Aikau, the North Shores first lifeguard who in the 60s and 70s saved more than 500 people throughout his career. ("Timed Auction" | translate) : ("Live Auction" | translate) }}, {{ viewVars.brand == 'hdh' ? Free Delivery on all Orders Over 80. '' lot.currency_code : lot.currency_sign }}, {{ lot.web_module.absentee_bid.rounded_amount_message_content }}, {{ LotService.currentBid(lot).amount|price:lot.currency_code }}, {{ LotService.groupLabel(lot) | translate }}, {{ lot.auction.auction_type == "timed" ? The contest featured the best big wave riders from around the planet. In 2016, Keala Kennelly became the first woman to be invited to the competition when she was named as an alternate. You can't just enter, you need to be invited. Only Eddie dared. Check back soon and follow the foundation on social media to make sure our updates are in your feed! The North Shore lifeguards were quick to swoop in on water scooters and bring them back to shore, helping them deflate their vests on land so they could head back into the whirling ocean. In a sort of euphoric procession that played out across the country, millions of Argentines paraded to central squares tjujos }} {{ (lot.estimate_low && lot.estimate_high)? The 27-year-old accepted the award wearing his yellow lifeguard t-shirt and red board shorts, saying it was a dream come true simply to participate in the competition on Sunday. WebThe Surf Instructor "Walk the nose". With the surf big enough for the event to run (a colossal 40 feet or thereabouts in Hawaiian measurements), conditions have only been sweet enough and prevailed on 9 previous occasions. Anyone can read what you share. The North Shores own John John Florence started heat 1 with a bang, catching two quick rides. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, known as the Eddie, is held only when wave faces are consistently larger than 40 feet at Waimea Bay, a rarity. Each surfers top four rides count toward a total score. Check back soon and follow the foundation on social media to make sure our updates are in your feed! Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. The talk on the beach and on the livestream reflected the unique nature of the event. Pipe claimed its fair share of scalps too, with big wave jedi, Billy Kemper, carted off to hospital as Moana took her wave, Makua Rothman blowing out his knee, and a nail biting rescue of Hawaiian charger, Kala Grace, unfolding live on screens. It's only staged if waves exceed 40 feet. In 1968, he became the first lifeguard hired by the City & County of Honolulu to work on the North Shore. '' There is nothing like the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. It's only staged if waves exceed 40 feet. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This year also saw women six in total take part in the competition for the first time, and it was Andrea Moller who made history as the first woman to catch a wave at the Eddie. WebThis first major examination the interrelationships of music and surfing explores different ways that surfers combine surfing with making and listening to music. That's where the saying came from Eddie would go, when no one else would or could. 'Tasting Notes': ('Medium' | translate) }}, {{WMService.extensionFromFilename(document.s3_url).slice(0,3)}}, {{ 'AUCTIONCURRENCY' | translate:{ CURRENCYCODE: viewVars.lot.currency_code }:'messageformat' }}, {{ 'Cookies help us deliver our services. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational ("The E Every possible pro surfing record, including most wins and most prize money, were now his. WebHALEIWA, HI - JANUARY 22: General views of the competitors trophy during the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on January 22, 2023 in Waimea Bay, Haleiwa, Hawaii. Not one life was lost while he served as lifeguard of Waimea Bay, as he braved waves that often reached 30 feet (9.1m) high or more, and saved the lives of more than 500 swimmers. {{ WMService.hasProduct('realEstateHybrid') === false ? I cant believe it, its surreal, its a dream come true, he said. This was the first time in seven years it Kuuntele Meet the on-duty lifeguard who won Hawaii's iconic big wave event -jaksoa podcastista ABC SPORT Daily heti tabletilla, puhelimella ja selaimella. As each day passed, and as more data came in from buoys hundreds of kilometres north of Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, the 40 surfers invited for The Eddie scrambled to get their equipment, support team and mindset ready. Aikau joined the voyage as a crew member. (hours+'h '):''}}{{minutes}}m {{seconds}}s {{ "left" | translate }}. WebThe 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay Surfline 210K subscribers Subscribe 9.7K Share 1.6M views Streamed 2 weeks ago WAIMEA BAY BEACH World's Andrea Moller of Brazil became the first woman to catch a wave at the Eddie, six years after Keala Kennelly became the first female invitee as an alternate in the 2016-17 season. The celebrated contest is held in memory of the famed North Shore lifeguard and waterman Eddie Aikau. | translate }}, ({{ ::"Min." [8][9] In 1977 Aikau won the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. A post shared by MOANA JONES WONG (@moana.17). The focus was on the three words on the back of every competitors jersey: Eddie Would Go.. A local lifeguard in Hawaii was the surprise winner of the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational dubbed the Super Bowl of surfing after beating off competition from some of the sports biggest names. The phrase originated during the first Eddie contest. As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, he saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf, winning several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. Each year, the Aikau family invites the best watermen and women to an opening ceremony where they honor the life of Eddie Aikau. Crowds packed the beach to watch the competition. He was part of a canoe voyage retracing the ancient Polynesian migration route between Hawaii and Tahiti in 1978. [6] Aikau first learned how to surf on the shorebreak of Kahului Harbor. In between the incredible elevator drops, wipeouts, hero-style rescues and female surfers making their long-awaited debut in the contest, were the crowds. This was the first time in 7 years the Eddie was held because the event demands only the largest surf conditions consistently over 20 feet, and it was the biggest surf in the history of the event. The North Shore hero is credited with saving over 500 lives. ( convertCurrency(lot.estimate_low, lot.auction.currency_code, currency.currency_code, viewVars.lotCurrencies.result_page) | price : null : null ) : It's only staged if waves exceed 40 feet. They Say! After 7-Year Wait, a Lifeguard Wins Surfings Holy Grail in 50-Foot Waves, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/23/sports/eddie-aikau-big-wave-invitational.html. [10], On February 28, 1978, TV producer John Orland was the last person Aikau rescued at Waimea Bay. Austin, Texas, band Full Service recorded a song about Eddie Aikau called "In A Rescue," found on their 2006 album "Recess." Huge conditions played witness to the first ever womens Pipe Masters champion, Moana Jones Wong, go full-send on what many are calling one of the best waves ever surfed by a woman, period, as well as non-stop action and epic rides from the best of the rest including Kelly Slater. You can't just enter, you need to be invited. The contest began early in the morning with 40-foot faces and a rising swell. We are pleased to announce the Names of the Invited Surfers & Alternates. Eddies younger brother Clyde Aikau won two years after the inaugural competition when it was held on Oahus North Shore for the first time. Part-time consultant & permanent employment - notification of work,I have permanent employment where I don't work at 100% capacity and I do my own consulting on the side for the rest of the time. | translate }}, {{ "How high should the current bid be raised?" Beyond the record-breaking swell, this years Eddie Invitational was historic for its inclusion of women in the contest. [citation needed], On May 4, 2019, what would have been his 73rd birthday, he was honored with a Google Doodle. Luke Shepardson took approved breaks from his lifeguarding duty at Waimea Bay to compete in the event affectionately known as the Eddie and finished with a near-perfect score of 89.1 points, ahead of defending champion John John Florence in second. WebThe Eddie Aikau is a Hawaiian surfing competition steeped in folklore. {{ "Optimized for your Mobile Device" | translate }}, {{ "Download our free app for an optimal bidding experience:" | translate }}, {{days!=0? 1990's good condition with normal wear as pictured. We join a young Hawaiian, Nainoa Thompson, as he Clyde Aikau praised the surfers for their willingness to brave the fearsome waves. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. He won $10,000 for taking first place with scores of 30.0, 30.0, and 29.1 across his three best waves, just shy of a perfect score of 90 points. The find out what happened, continue reading below. The competition drew huge crowds, who were instructed to stay behind a yellow tape close to the shoreline to avoid being swept up in the dangerous swell. The event has run only nine times in the past 34 Hawaiian winters. A local lifeguard beat out the top pro surfers for the trophy. He moved to Oahu with his family in 1959, and at the age of 16 left school and started working at the Dole pineapple cannery; the paycheck allowed Aikau to buy his first surfboard.
Barrow County School Board Meeting, Who Plays Elias In Queen Of The South, Articles E