Big wave season is getting underway in Hawaii as noted by the highly anticipated announcement of this year’s invitees to the 30th annual Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau event at Waimea Bay, on the North Shore.
This winter, big wave riding celebrates a special milestone with the 30th annual Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Quiksilver is pleased to announce the list of official 2014/15 Invitees and Alternates on this very special occasion. Please visit the official website www.quiksilver.com/eddie to view this year’s list of Invitees, new video, and anniversary collection.
The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is a one-day big wave riding event that only takes place if and when waves meet a 20-foot minimum height, during the holding period of December 1 through February 28, each Hawaiian winter. The official Opening Ceremony with the Aikau Family will be held on Thursday, December 4th, 3pm, at Waimea Bay.
“The Eddie” is the original big wave riding event and stands as the measure for every big wave event that exists in the world today. It has become an icon of surfing through its honor, integrity and rarity.
The event honors Hawaiian hero Eddie Aikau, whose legacy is the respect he held for the ocean; his concern for the safety of all who entered it on his watch; and the way with which he rode Waimea Bay on its most giant and memorable days.
Adherence to strict wave height standards has ensured its integrity; it is only held on days when waves meet or exceed the Hawaiian 20-foot minimum (wave face heights of approximately 40 feet). This was the threshold at which Eddie enjoyed to ride the Bay. It has been said that what makes The Eddie special is the times it doesn’t run, because that is precisely its guarantee of integrity and quality days of giant surf.
The competition has only been held a total of 8 times: it’s inaugural year at Sunset Beach, and then seven more times at its permanent home of Waimea Bay. The Eddie was last held on December 9, 2009, won by California’s Greg Long.*
Regardless of whether “The Bay Calls The Day” and the event runs, the annual Opening Ceremony is considered the annual celebration of Aikau’s legacy as well as that of the sport of big wave riding, and is attended by the who’s who of the surfing world.
Check-out the invited surfers here. While unfortunately no women were named in the original line-up, there are some listed as alternatives.
