What It’s All About: Remembering Legend Eddie Aikau

Photo: WSL / Sloane

Today, the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational officially kicked off the 2016/17 holding period with a culturally rich ceremony to honor Hawaiian waterman, Waimea Bay lifeguard and Big Wave pioneer Eddie Aikau. 

Photo: WSL / Sloane

The Aikau family and a significant number of the world’s greatest big wave surfers gathered to show their respect for Eddie in the event’s 32nd anniversary.   

Photo: WSL / Cestari

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is the original one-day, Big Wave surfing event, started in memory of Hawaiian waterman, Waimea Bay lifeguard and Big Wave pioneer Eddie Aikau. 

Photo: WSL / Sloane

What started 31 years ago to pay tribute to Aikau, has grown to become an almost mythic event whose elusiveness has only fueled its global appeal. 

Photo: WSL / Sloane

The Eddie only runs when wave face heights reach a minimum of 40 feet at Waimea Bay… a day so rare it has only happened nine times in 31 years.

Photo: WSL / Sloane

Next time you paddle out, remember Eddie’s connection to the ocean. The ocean was a spiritual place for Eddie. It’s where he went to find peace in life and where he found peace in passing. The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau will always remain a symbol of the Hawaiian waterman – Eddie’s spirit and legend lives on today.  

EDDIE WOULD GO

For more information on the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau, visit worldsurfleague.com or quiksilver.com/eddie.