What happened to Eddie Aikau?

Aikau, who died in a rescue attempt following the capsizing of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokulea in 1978, is one of the best-known, least known figure in surfing history. 28 years of The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave riding event at Waimea has seen to that, as has the ubiquitous bumper sticker.

Will the Eddie Run 2021?

The Eddie Aikau Big-Wave Invitational is one of the most prestigious surfing events of all time. Held at Waimea Bay in honor of Eddie Aikau, the North Shore of Oahu’s first lifeguard who was lost at sea during a heroic rescue attempt, the event is back for 2021-22.

How big do the waves have to be for the Eddie?

The tournament is known for a unique requirement that open-ocean swells reach a minimum height of 60 feet (18 m) before the competition can be held. Open-ocean swells of this height generally translate to wave faces in the bay of 70 feet (21 m) to 80 feet (24 m).

When was the last time the Eddie went?

The last time it ran, in 2009, the contest had a record crowd of more than 30,000 on the beach, cliffs and road around Waimea Bay. That year the Eddie also scored the most international media coverage of any surfing event in history. Big Wave World Tour surfer Greg Long won the event.

Did they ever find Eddie Aikau surfboard?

The Hokule’a left Oahu March 16, 1978. It was caught in huge sea storms and capsized. In an attempt to get help, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard. Although the rest of the crew was rescued, Aikau was never found.

Who has won the Eddie?

John John Florence must now be the best surfer in the world. Hawaii’s John John Florence has won the 9th Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau event in 45 to 55 foot conditions.

Is the Eddie happening this year?

The biggest surfing event in the world returns this year. Our last event saw over 1.2 million views of the live stream from fans from more than 200 countries around the world. Just as in year’s past, the contest will run if surf heights consistently reach 20-feet between December 1, 2021 through February 29, 2022.

Is the Eddie running?

The Eddie Aikau was cancelled for 2022 and at 4pm Waimea never really turned on. The Eddie Aikau Invitational at Waimea Bay is the most prestigious & culturally significant surf contest in the world. Though ‘The Eddie’ started in 1984 at Sunset Beach, it’s been held at Waimea Bay ever since.

Where is the big surf in Hawaii?

If the perfect wave exists, you’ll find it on Oahu’s North Shore. The towering, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca draw the best surfers in the world, while smaller and gentler summer waves are better for beginners.

Where is the Eddie held?

“The Eddie” is a big wave surfing tournament held at Waimea Bay on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The tournament is named for native Hawaiian, champion big wave surfer, and life-saving Waimea Bay lifeguard, Eddie Aikau.

Did they ever find Eddie Aikau?

In an attempt to get help, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard. Although the rest of the crew was rescued, Aikau was never found. The ensuing search for Aikau was the largest air-sea search in Hawaiian history. As a Waimea Bay surfer Eddie had few equals– He was the undisputed king during his tenure there.