WAIMEA VALLEY, O’ahu, Hawai’i. (October 1, 2025) – The Eddie Aikau Foundation announced the 32 Invitees and 28 Alternates to the 2025-2026 Rip Curl Eddie Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau today. The competition, watched by millions worldwide, will be held on one day between December 7, 2025 and March 6, 2026, if wave heights reach 40 feet and conditions allow.
Clyde Aikau, Eddie’s brother and 1986 winner, passed away in May 2025 after seeing his son Ha’a compete in 2024. His influence remains in the surfer selection process.
Foundation president Linda Ipsen said they reviewed recent contest results and history to select a mix of Hawaiian, mainland, and international surfers who reflect Eddie’s spirit.
The list includes recent winners Landon McNamara (2024) and Luke Shepardson (2023), along with past champions John John Florence (2016), Kelly Slater (2002), and Ross Clarke-Jones (2001). Both kāne and wahine surfers will compete in mixed heats.
Rip Curl’s James Taylor said supporting culturally significant events like The Eddie aligns with the company’s values.
The Opening Ceremony will be held December 5, 2025 at Waimea Bay Beach Park.
Sponsors include Rip Curl, Hawaiian Airlines, Olukai, Costa Sunglasses, Kona Brewing Hawaii, Patagonia, Waimea Valley-Hi’ipaka LLC, YETI, Sun Bum, Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, and others.
2025-2026 INVITEES
Aaron Gold, Annie Reickert, Bianca Valenti, Billy Kemper, Chad Keaulana, Eala Stewart, Eli Olson, Emily Erickson, Ezekiel Lau, Grant “Twiggy” Baker, Ha’a Aikau, Jake Maki, Jamie Mitchell, Jamie O’Brien, Joey Cadiz, John John Florence, Justine Dupont, Kai Lenny, Kelly Slater, Koa Rothman, Landon McNamara, Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca, Luke Shepardson, Makua Rothman, Mark Healey, Mason Ho, Matahi Drollet, Nathan Florence, Nic von Rupp, Ross Clarke-Jones, Russell Bierke, Torrey Meister.
2025-2026 ALTERNATES
Kāne (Men):
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Cliff Kapono
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Mikey O’Shaughnessy
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Isamu Sumi
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Tom Lowe
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Kaiwi Berry
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Ty Simpson-Kane
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Michael “Mitch” Sanborn
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Kala Grace
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Albee Layer
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Tiger Doerner
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Ian Walsh
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Othmane Choufani
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Tyler Larronde
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Taio Shipman
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Jojo Roper
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Koa Smith
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Francisco Porcella
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Matt Bromley
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Shinpei Horiguchi
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Kona Oliveira
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Wilem Banks
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Barron Mamiya
Wahine (Women):
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Anne Dos Santos
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Paige Alms
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Laura Enever
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Makani Adric
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Tiare Lawrence
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Zoe Chait
Contest Director Liam McNamara will monitor swells and call the contest within 24-48 hours’ notice. Event Director Faith Wenzl oversees operations, judging, and safety.
About THE EDDIE Big Wave Invitational:
The Eddie honors Eddie Aikau, legendary lifeguard, surfer, and Hawaiian hero. Held only 11 times in 41 years, it showcases elite big wave surfing at Waimea Bay. The 2024 event was won by Landon McNamara and streamed by over 6 million viewers in 195 countries.
About the Eddie Aikau Foundation:
The nonprofit preserves Eddie’s legacy through education, Hawaiian culture, ocean activities, and community service.
About Rip Curl:
Founded in 1969 in Torquay, Australia, Rip Curl is “The Ultimate Surfing Company,” committed to supporting surfing, surfers, and global surf culture.
Links:
https://www.theeddieaikau.com
https://www.eddieaikaufoundation.org
https://www.ripcurl.com/us
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theeddieaikau