“The Eddie,” also referred to as the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational prestigious big-wave surfing competition held in honor of Eddie Aikau, a legendary Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard. The competition is held at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, and is only saved when the waves at the bay reach a specific size, typically 20 feet or larger. The event has only been held 8 times since its inception in 1984 due to the infrequency of suitable wave conditions.
Eddie Aikau was one of the most influential figures in big-wave surfing. He was a lifeguard at Waimea Bay and was known for his skill and bravery in riding the giant waves that break on the North Shore of Oahu. In 1978, Aikau was a crew member on the voyaging canoe, Hokule’a, which capsized in the open ocean. Aikau set out on a surfboard to get help but was never seen again. The phrase “Eddie Would Go” became a battle cry for the surfer community, exemplifying his bravery and willingness to take on any challenge.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is open to invitees only, usually around 30-40 surfers worldwide. Only the most skilled and experienced surfers are invited to compete. The contest has been won by some of the most famous surfers in the world, including Denton Miyamura, Bruce Irons, and Kelly Slater.
The contest is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious competitions in big-wave surfing. The game has a waiting period between December and February when the waves are most likely to be big enough.
Wednesday is a go for the Eddie Aikau Surf Contest.
On January 11, 2023, near Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore, the Eddie Aikau Foundation declared on Facebook that “The Eddie is a Go.” The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a fun event that draws large spectators to witness the world’s best surfers compete and glide down enormous waves. And it only happens sometimes.
The tournament, which bears Eddie Aikau’s name in honor of the late big-wave legend and lifeguard, has only been contested nine times since it began in 1984. The contest only occurs between December 14 and March 23 if waves regularly top 20 feet in height. Due to unfavorable weather, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational was postponed to February 2022.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service claim that a massive northwest swell is expected to arrive Tuesday night. On Oahu’s North Shore, the winter months already produce enormous waves, but forecasts estimate the bubble will develop and peak Wednesday, making waves as high as 40 to 50 feet.
