The spirit of Eddie Aikau was alive and well during the week-long celebration marking the opening of the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Presented by Rip Curl in partnership with a host of MVP sponsors, the week was a powerful reminder of the legacy of the iconic Hawaiian lifeguard, surfer, and hero. With a series of unforgettable events, fans, athletes, and the Aikau family came together to honor Eddie’s life, his contributions to surfing, and the significance of the contest that bears his name.
A Week of Connection and Celebration
The festivities kicked off with a series of intimate, fan-driven events that brought together the surf community in celebration of Eddie Aikau’s legacy. Hosted at key partner locations, including Surf n Sea Haleiwa and HIC Kailua, these gatherings were a rare opportunity for fans to connect with some of the sport’s biggest names, including a premier of “Stories from the Eddie” hosted by Mason Ho & friends.
Mason, an integral figure in modern surfing, engaged the crowd with heartwarming stories and personal anecdotes about The Eddie. The evening was not just about listening to tales of surfing’s greatest legends but about experiencing the unique culture of Aloha that Eddie embodied. Fans left these intimate nights with a special memento—a limited edition, autographed Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational poster, a keepsake to remember an evening filled with passion, history, and respect.
The Historic Opening Ceremony
One of the most significant moments of the week came with the Opening Ceremony of The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. The ceremony was a powerful and emotional tribute to Eddie Aikau, who risked his life to save others and whose name is synonymous with big wave riding. Past champions, current invitees, and alternates were all present to honor Eddie’s legacy, including a number of influential figures from the surf community such as Clyde Aikau, Eddie’s brother, and other key individuals who have played vital roles in preserving Eddie’s memory.
The day began with a dose of fresh rain, a fitting gesture from the skies, before clearing up to reveal the clear blue Hawaiian heavens. The traditional paddle out ceremony was a poignant moment, symbolizing the deep respect surfers have for one another and for the history that The Eddie represents. Surfers, both legendary and new, paddled out together into the waves as the ceremonial Hōkūleʻa—a traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe—sailed by, carrying with it the spirit of Eddie.
The ceremony was not just about honoring the past, but also about carrying that spirit forward into the future of big wave surfing. The presence of the Aikau family, past champions, and fellow surfers was a testament to how Eddie’s legacy continues to inspire, inform, and influence the surfing world.
The Surfer’s Reception at Waimea Valley
Following the opening ceremony, the week’s events culminated in the first annual Surfer’s Reception, held at the stunning Waimea Valley. This special gathering hosted athletes, key figures from the surf industry, and important Hawaiian wholesale partners. Set against the backdrop of the lush, historic valley, it was the perfect setting for a celebration of both tradition and modern surfing culture.
Guests enjoyed an evening of storytelling, fellowship, and respect for the island’s rich cultural heritage. It was a unique opportunity for surfers to reflect on Eddie’s contributions to the sport, the island, and to the world, while also looking forward to the next chapter in the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational story.
Looking Ahead to the 2024-2025 Event Window
As the week drew to a close, the anticipation for the upcoming Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational only grew. The event window officially opens December 14, 2024, and runs through March 13, 2025. With the historic ceremony behind them, the surfers, fans, and the entire Aikau family are ready for what promises to be another exciting chapter in the history of big wave surfing.
Eddie Aikau’s name will forever be linked to courage, aloha, and the indomitable spirit of the Hawaiian surf community. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational remains one of the most prestigious and awe-inspiring events in the sport of surfing, drawing surfers from all over the world to take on the legendary waves at Waimea Bay.
This year’s opening ceremony week wasn’t just about celebrating Eddie’s legacy—it was a reminder that his spirit lives on in the surf community and in the hearts of everyone who continues to honor his memory. As the waves grow larger and the competition looms, the Aikau legacy remains a beacon of inspiration for generations of surfers to come.
Here’s to Eddie, his family, the Eddie Aikau Foundation and the extraordinary athletes who will compete in The Eddie this winter. May the spirit of the waves always be with you. 🌊
Stay tuned for more updates on the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, and follow Rip Curl’s ongoing coverage as we get ready for an unforgettable event in 2024-2025!
