Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Opening Ceremony

On Thursday, December 3, some of the world’s most talented and renowned surfers gathered at Waimea Bay to take part in the prominent and annual opening ceremony for the 31st Annual Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau.

As bumper to bumper traffic crowded the street outside of Waimea Beach Park, the invitees congregated together, standing in front of their towering big wave surfboards, as Hawaiian Kahu Billy Mitchell provided the first blessing and spoke of Eddie’s instinctively protective nature and how each surfer should watch out for one another at all times.

After the ceremonial blessing, the group paddled out into the Bay and formed a floating circle. In the middle sat Clyde Aikau, who further spoke to the group of pros and legends of his brother and the importance of safety and family.

The 31st annual celebration was of special importance to Clyde himself, because the 66-year old announced it would be the last time he would lead the paddle out.

With the commemoration over, all eyes are now on the swell charts in hopes that the El Nino winter will make the Eddie go.