In the annals of all recorded surfing history, Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaiʻi, has been one of the most iconic spots in the world for big wave surfing. This beach is legendary for its massive winter swells, which can produce waves as high as small mountains. It is during these times when the waves are most enormous that “Eddie Would Go,” and the iconic event in his memory would be called on.
While Waimea Bay has long been seen as the ultimate proving ground for surfers, in recent years, big wave surfing has evolved dramatically, with new locations around the world pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Waves at places like Teahupo’o in Tahiti, Jaws in Maui, and Nazaré in Portugal have challenged Waimea’s reputation as the undisputed king of big wave spots. Last year, however, in January 2023, Waimea Bay reminded the world why it still holds a special place in surfing history. During the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, the surf reached an awe-inspiring 40 to 50 feet (12-16 meters), re-establishing Waimea Bay as one of the most formidable and respected locations in big wave surfing.
Eddie Would Go
The motto of the event, “Eddie Would Go,” represents Eddie Aikau’s fearless attitude in both surfing and life-saving, setting the tone for the respect the competition commands.
Wave Size: The Eddie only runs under extreme conditions, contributing to its legendary status. The decision to hold or cancel is often debated until the last minute.
Global Attention: The Eddie has gained worldwide attention, as even the possibility of the event happening attracts thousands of spectators and media.
Who Was Eddie Aikau?
The event is named after Eddie Aikau, a legendary Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard who became a symbol of courage and selflessness. Eddie and his brother Clyde were well storied professional surfers challenging and mastering large surf and ocean conditions on Oahu’s North Shore. Eddie was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay, where he saved hundreds of lives in the treacherous surf. His bravery extended well beyond the beach. In 1978, while on a traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe, the Hokule’a, Eddie attempted to paddle for help after the canoe capsized in rough seas. It was an ominous and treacherous effort, selfless to the core but Eddie paddled a board in search of land and rescue. He was never seen again and his story became a symbol of heroic sacrifice.
In Eddie’s honor, the Invitational is held only when conditions at Waimea Bay are extreme enough to warrant the contest—a phrase often repeated in the surfing world is, “The Bay Calls the Day.” This means the contest only happens when waves are truly massive, sometimes with years between events.
The 2023 Event
On January 22, 2023, after a seven-year gap, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational was held again. The forecast predicted waves of 25 to 30 feet (7-9 meters), which in Hawaiʻi’s unique surf scale translates to actual wave faces of up to 60 feet. The conditions exceeded expectations, with sets of enormous waves pounding the shore throughout the day.
Forty of the world’s top big wave surfers were invited to compete, including some of the sport’s biggest names as well as a handful of female surfers. This event is as much about the prestige of being invited as it is about winning. Each competitor knows they are riding waves in honor of Eddie’s legacy.
Thousands of fans crowded the cliffs and beaches surrounding Waimea Bay, with estimates of over 50,000 spectators trying to catch a glimpse of the action. The night before the event, the area looked like a festival, with people camping out and setting up along the coast to get a good view.
The Importance of Waimea Bay
In recent years, advances in technology—particularly the use of jet skis to tow surfers into massive waves—have allowed big wave riders to challenge waves that were once thought impossible to surf. This has opened up spots like Nazaré in Portugal and Jaws in Maui, where waves can reach up to 100 feet (30 meters). But Waimea Bay is different. It’s a paddle-in wave, meaning surfers have to use their own strength to catch the wave rather than being towed in by a jet ski. This adds an extra level of difficulty and danger to the contest.
Kelly Slater, an 11-time world champion, former event champion, and one of surfing’s biggest names, has said, “Waimea isn’t just about size. There’s a history and connection to Eddie that makes it special. When you’re out there, you’re not just riding waves—you’re carrying on his legacy.”
Luke Shepardson’s Victory
Last year, it was local lifeguard Luke Shepardson who took the top prize, beating out former champion John Florence. Shepardson’s win was particularly special because, like Eddie, he is a lifeguard at Waimea Bay. Shepardson said, “Being able to surf Waimea in the Eddie and win—it’s a dream come true. Eddie Aikau has always been a hero of mine, and to surf in his honor is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
The Legacy of Eddie Aikau
The Eddie Aikau Invitational is more than just a surfing contest. It’s a tribute to a man who embodied the spirit of aloha—respect for the ocean, the land, and the people of Hawaiʻi. Eddie’s legacy continues to inspire generations of surfers and ocean lovers, and the motto, “Eddie would go,” has become a rallying cry in the big wave surfing community, symbolizing his fearless attitude and commitment to helping others.
As Clyde Aikau, Eddie’s brother and contest organizer, once said, “Waimea Bay has always been sacred. You don’t conquer Waimea; you respect it, and Eddie taught us that.”
In the end, Waimea Bay, once again, proved it is still one of the most important places in the world for big wave surfing. The waves, the surfers, and the crowd all come together to honor a Hawaiian hero and the tradition of courage and respect that he left behind.
Historical Context
Waimea Bay: Known as the birthplace of big wave surfing, it became iconic in the 1950s and ’60s when surfers like Greg Noll first dared to challenge its massive winter swells. The Eddie Aikau Invitational was created to honor Eddie’s legacy, highlighting Waimea Bay’s significance in surfing lore.
Eddie Aikau: Born in 1946, Eddie was one of Hawaiʻi’s most respected watermen and lifeguards. Known for his fearless rescues and prowess in massive surf, he became a hero after disappearing in 1978 while attempting to save his crewmates during the ill-fated voyage of the Polynesian Hokule’a canoe.
Jet Ski Revolution: In the 1990s, jet ski-assisted tow-in surfing transformed big wave riding, allowing surfers to tackle waves that were once deemed unrideable. Kelly Slater remarked on how the introduction of jet skis “opened up a whole new era of surfing, where the impossible suddenly became possible.”
2024-2025 INVITEES
KĀNE
Aaron Gold (HI)
Billy Kemper (HI)
Bruce Irons (HI)
Chad Keaulana (HI)
Eli Olson (HI)
Ezekiel Lau (HI)
Francisco Porcella (ITALY)
Greg Long (CA)
Ian Walsh (HI)
Jake Maki (HI)
Jamie Mitchell (HI)
Jamie O’Brien (HI)
John John Florence (HI)
Jojo Roper (CA)
Kai Lenny (HI)
Kauli Vaast (TAHITI)
Keali‘I Mamala (HI)
Kelly Slater (CA)
Koa Rothman (HI)
Kohl Christensen (HI)
Landon McNamara (HI)
Lucas Chianca (BRAZIL)
Luke Shepardson (HI – 2023 WINNER)
Makuakai Rothman (HI)
Mark Healey (HI)
Mason Ho (HI)
Matt Bromley (SA)
Nathan Florence (HI)
Nic Lamb (CA)
Peter Mel (CA)
Ross Clarke-Jones (AUS)
Russell Bierke (AUS)
Taio Shipman (HI)
Torrey Meister (HI)
Tyler Larronde (HI)
KĀNE ALTERNATES
Ha‘a Aikau (HI)
Joey Cadiz (HI)
Eala Stewart (HI)
Ben Wilkinson (AUS)
Grant Twiggy Baker (SA)
Koa Smith (HI)
Tiger Doerner (HI)
Michael Sanborn (HI)
Ivan Florence (HI)
Mikey O’Shaughnessy (HI)
Kala Grace (HI)
Barron Mamiya (HI)
Tom Robert Lowe (UK)
Alonso Correa (PERU)
Othmane Choufani (MOR)
Natxo Gonzalez (SPAIN)
Isamu Sumi (JAPAN)
Cristian Merello (CHILE)
Manny Resano (NIC)
Conor Maguire (IRELAND)
WAHINE
Annie Starr Reichert (HI)
Bianca Valenti (CA)
Emily Erickson (HI)
Felicity Palmateer (AUS)
Justine Duponte (FRANCE)
Keala Kennelly (HI)
Laura Enever (AUS)
Makani Adric (HI)
Moana Jones Wong (HI)
Paige Alms (HI)
WAHINE ALTERNATES
Izzy Gomez (HI)
Skylar Lickle (HI)
Tiare Lawrence (HI)
Andrea Moller (HI)
Anne Dos Santos (BRAZIL)