English version

Three-month holding period for Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau ends

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, fueled by Monster Energy, officially draws to a close on 28 February, 2011. The event was poised to run on January 20 this year as thousands of spectators joined competitors at Waimea’s hallowed shoreline, but inconsistent 20-foot surf resulted in a ‘No Go’.

That call drew overwhelming support of the event’s uncompromising standards. ‘The Eddie’ was last held in December of 2009. Since its inception in the winter of 1984/85, it has only been held eight times. We look forward to the official opening ceremony of the 27th annual Eddie on December 1, 2011.

“It has been said many times that it is the year’s we don’t go that make The Eddie so special, and this past winter season proved that,” said George Downing, Contest Director. “When you are standing on the beach at Waimea the atmosphere is electrifying with all who have gathered to see the Bay at its best. The overwhelming support of our call to wait showed how special Eddie’s name and legacy is to people, no matter how much we would all love to see the event go.

“On behalf of the Aikau family, and Quiksilver, I would like to extend a sincere mahalo to the invitees who traveled so far in the hopes that the event would run; to the supporters who joined us at the beach; and to the City & County of Honolulu who worked with us to take safety and preparation to an unprecedented level. The integrity of this event remains intact and is something we can all be very proud of.”

Lastest update January 21, 2011: NO GO FOR QUIKSILVER IN MEMORY OF EDDIE AIKAU

George Downing, Contest Director of The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, Fueled by Monster Energy, has called a “NO GO” for competition at Waimea Bay today, based upon the inconsistency of the swell. While there were definitely 20- to 25-foot waves sporadically throughout the morning, the consistency of those large waves was deemed to be insufficient to run the two rounds of competition. The event still has until February 28 to run.

“What we see in conditions like this is just one or two true ‘Eddie’ size waves in the period of a heat,” said Downing. “With seven surfers in the water per heat, that is not the kind of playing field we need for quality, fair competition.

“It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement when those huge waves come through, and after all of the efforts of the crew and the spectators to get ready for this day. But what keeps this event the greatest big wave event in the world is never relaxing those standards. Eddie never did.

“We will continue to wait. The holding period runs through February 28 and we know that there is definite potential in the coming weeks for more extra large surf to arise. If that day comes, we will be ready to go again.

The 15,000-strong crowd that had gathered under moonlight since the very early hours of the morning understood the call and settled in for the day, regardless. With the world’s best big wave riders making the most of the opportunity to put some time in at Waimea, they will be treated to spectacular rides throughout the day, without question.

2002 Eddie winner and 10X world champion Kelly Slater was in firm agreement with the decision: “It’s a good call.” said Slater. “There are big waves out there, but there’s not that many of them. It’s not what we need.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is the world’s longest running and most prestigious big-wave invitational and is the only one sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the governing body of professional surfing.

Lastest update January 20, 2011: Swell incoming, 6:30am HST call

Organizers of the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, Fueled by Monster Energy, spent the day setting the stage for the world’s most prestigious big wave event at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore. While the verdict is still out on whether the contest will be a ‘go’ tomorrow, organizers are giving it a 50/50 chance as we approach midnight Hawaii time.

Waves have continued to steadily increase throughout the afternoon at Waimea and a small army of workers will press on through the night to the sounds of loud, rumbling surf.

The digital age science of surf forecasting has played its part and now it comes down to the age-old waiting game of seeing what daybreak reveals.

“Every swell has a story,” said Contest Director George Downing. “No matter what tomorrow brings, a big day at Waimea is always a special day and there will be no shortage of stories by the time the sun sets. Of course, we hope as much as anyone that the event will be a ‘go’, but ultimately we don’t make the call, the Bay does.”

The official call will be broadcast live tomorrow morning, starting at 6:30am, on www.quiksilver.com/eddie, and in Hawaii on cable channels 11 and 15, and Oceanic Time Warner digital cable channels 250 and 1250.

Aloha

January 17, 2011: Big Waves Expected to Peak on Thursday. Watch and Wait

Waimea Bay — An extra large swell is forecast to batter Oahu’s North Shore this week, but uncertainty still surrounds the actual height of the waves that will materialize and whether this latest episode will give the green light to The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, Fueled by Monster Energy.

There is no question that the north Pacific system generating the anticipated swell has the potential to deliver waves of “Eddie” size, but it now comes down to the directional focus of the swell. Organizers of the event will continuously monitor developments of this swell that is expected to peak on Oahu’s North Shore on Thursday, January 20.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is a one-day big wave invitational staged at Waimea Bay with a minimum wave height requirement of 20 feet. It was last held on December 8, 2009, in 20- to 25-foot surf and was won by California’s Greg Long. The event is held in memory of one of the greatest Hawaiian watermen of all time, Eddie Aikau, who was a pioneer big wave rider and highly respected lifeguard at Waimea Bay. In its 26 year history, the event has only been held a total of eight times.

“The system generating the surf is definitely gigantic and certainly as strong as predicted, covering roughly 18,000 square miles of the north Pacific,” explains George Downing, Contest Director of The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau. “But up to now, the strongest winds generating the open ocean swells have not been aimed at Hawaii. This can change as the system passes the dateline, so we will have to be patient.”

A further 24 hours of watch-and-wait will provide a better indication of the true potential of the swell and what it will produce for Waimea Bay. There are still three full days of developments yet to unfold and ultimately “The Bay calls the day”.

The National Weather Service expects that beyond this week the favorable jet stream flow will continue to lend itself to more extra-large to giant surf through the end of the month/into early February. The holding period for the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau runs up to and including February 28.

The most recent storm activity in the Pacific produced quality surf of up to 18 feet along Oahu’s North Shore yesterday, allowing many of the Invitees and Alternates to “The Eddie” to test their equipment and ready themselves for what lies ahead.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is the world’s longest running and most prestigious big-wave invitational and is the only one sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the governing body of professional surfing.

What began as a local tribute to one of Hawaii’s favorite surfing sons in 1984, soon took on a life all its own and the story is the reason why this event continues to grow. Eddie Aikau has come to personify all of the human qualities we honor today: respect, humility, passion, and a love for fellow man. Waimea Bay was the canvas upon which his story is told each year, in his memory. For over 25 years, it is a story that has traversed the globe to touch hearts, minds and imaginations: a life lived with passion, dedicated with meaning, and exited from heroically.

Just 31 years of age when he lost his life in an attempt to save others, Aikau has physically been gone longer – 33 years – than he was here. But far from being forgotten, his life, the waves he rode, and the lives he saved on his ancestral grounds at Waimea Bay have become a part of history, passed on from person to person around the world like a wave seeking shore.

The Eddie has run just eight times in 25 years. You don’t want to miss it when the Bay calls the momentous day. Go to Quiksilver.com/Eddie for swell updates, happenings from the North Shore, and to sign up for text alerts to make sure you’re the first to know when the Bay calls the day!

English version

Quiksilver Eddie opening ceremony lights up Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay — The world’s most celebrated big wave riders gathered under heavy skies at Waimea Bay today for the traditional opening ceremony of the 26th annual Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, fueled by Monster Energy. December of every year, during the Hawaiian winter, is when attention turns to the prestigious Invitee list of 28 surfers who are asked to ride mammoth waves at Waimea like Aikau did in his time.

But this year it is the fresh loss of former invitees Andy Irons and Marvin Foster, both from Hawaii, that has the surfing world reflecting upon the importance of gatherings like these and the role they play in honoring the past, respecting the present and looking forward to the future. “It is the passing of these brothers that once again reminds us of the life and loss of Eddie,” said Hawaiian Kahu Billy Mitchell, flanked by the Aikau family.

“But as we stand in this circle, we realize that this circle, like life, is a continuum of those who have gone on already, those who are here, and those young brave surfers yet to come.”

Among those gathered today were defending event champion Greg Long (San Clemente, CA),and former Eddie winners Kelly Slater (Cocoa Beach, FL), Bruce Irons (Hawaii), Ross Clarke-Jones (Australia), Clyde Aikau, Noah Johnson, and Keone Downing (Hawaii).

“Whether the event happens or not, it doesn’t matter because this is the most important part of it: the ceremony,” said former Eddie winner Ross Clarke-Jones, “When the (contest) does happen, it’s extraordinary, it takes it to another level, but this day is guaranteed to happen every year and we’re here together again.

“Achieving the win was something I lived 14 years in the (Hawaiian) islands trying for. But it was a satisfaction point in my life that felt amazing. There’s something so special about this Bay. “This is my 25th Eddie, I’m 44 years old, and I feel like a kid again.”

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau will be held on one day between December 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011, when waves exceed the 20-foot minimum threshold and Invitees contend for the $98,000 prize purse. Monster Energy will be presenting the Monster Drop Award for the surfer who makes the most critical drop and rides out of it during the event. The judges will determine the winner the day of the competition and will present the chosen surfer with a unique Monster Drop Specialty Award.

Held in honor of the legendary Hawaiian waterman, Eddie Aikau, The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau gathers the most skillful and dynamic big-wave surfers from around the globe. The Eddie is a surfer’s ultimate challenge, employing unassisted manpower to physically paddle into and ride giant waves.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is the world’s longest running and most prestigious big-wave invitational and is the only one sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the governing body of professional surfing.

What began as a local tribute to one of Hawaii’s favorite surfing sons in 1984, soon took on a life all its own and the story is the reason why this event continues to grow. Eddie Aikau has come to personify all of the human qualities we honor today: respect, humility, passion, and a love for fellow man. Waimea Bay was the canvas upon which his story is told each year, in his memory. For over 25 years, it is a story that has traversed the globe to touch hearts, minds and imaginations: a life lived with passion, dedicated with meaning, and exited from heroically.

Just 31 years of age when he lost his life in an attempt to save others, Aikau has physically been gone longer – 33 years – than he was here. But far from being forgotten, his life, the waves he rode, and the lives he saved on his ancestral grounds at Waimea Bay have become a part of history, passed on from person to person around the world like a wave seeking shore.

The Eddie has run just eight times in 25 years. You don’t want to miss it when the Bay calls the momentous day. Go to Quiksilver.com/Eddie for swell updates, happenings from the North Shore, and to sign up for text alerts to make sure you’re the first to know when the Bay calls the day!

Mais sobre o Eddie Aikau
O Quiksilver em Memória de Eddie Aikau, que acontece em homenagem ao lendário waterman havaiano, Eddie Aikau e reúne os mais dinâmicos e experientes surfistas de ondas grandes do mundo, é considerado o maior desafio de um surfista, que usa sua força física para remar e dropar ondas gigantes.

O evento é o mais longo e prestigioso evento de ondas grandes do mundo e o único sancionado pela Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), órgão máximo do surf profissional.

O que começou como um tributo havaiano a um de seus “filhos” surfistas favoritos, em 1984, logo foi tomando corpo e a sua própria história é a razão pelo evento continuar crescendo. Eddie Aikau apareceu para personificar todas as qualidades humanas que honramos hoje: respeito, humildade, paixão e amor ao próximo.

Na Baía de Waimea Bay, por mais de 25 anos, sua história é contada, atravessando o mundo, tocando corações, mente e imaginações: de uma vida vivida com paixão e finalizada heroicamente.

Há 33 anos, com apenas aos 31 anos de idade, Aikau perdeu sua vida numa tentativa de salvar os outros, mas longe de ser esquecida, sua vida, as ondas que surfou, e as vidas que salvou na Baía de Waimea, se tornaram parte da história, passada de pessoa a pessoa pelo mundo, como uma onda procurando à costa. O Eddie aconteceu apenas 8 vezes em 25 anos.

English version
22 November, 2010 : – - Waimea Bay — Quiksilver.com/Eddie launched today with the announcement of the 28 coveted Invitees and 24 Alternates to The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, fueled by Monster Energy. The event will be held on one day, between December 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011, when waves exceed the 20-foot minimum threshold and Invitees contend for the $98,000 prize purse. The traditional opening ceremony will take place at 2:30pm, December 2nd, 2010, at Waimea Bay.

Monster Energy will be presenting the Monster Drop Award for the surfer who makes the most critical drop and rides out of it during the event. The judges will determine the winner the day of the competition and will present the chosen surfer with a unique Monster Drop Specialty Award.

Invitees Alternates

Clyde Aikau HAW Kahea Hart HAW (Aikau Pick)
Kala Alexander HAW Ross Williams HAW
Tom Carroll AUS Nathan Fletcher USA
Kohl Christensen HAW Mark Mathews AUS
Ross Clarke-Jones AUS Sion Miloski HAW
Shane Dorian HAW Kalani Chapman HAW
Keone Downing HAW Keoni Watson HAW
Sunny Garcia HAW Anthony Tashnick USA
Mark Healey HAW Ian Walsh HAW
Michael Ho HAW Koby Abberton AUS
Bruce Irons HAW Danny Fuller HAW
Noah Johnson HAW Kealii Mamala HAW
Rusty Keaulana HAW Ken Collins USA
Brock Little HAW Myles Padaca HAW
Greg Long USA Laurie Towner AUS
Reef McIntosh HAW Jamie Mitchell AUS
Garrett McNamara HAW Paul Patterson AUS
Peter Mel USA Andrew Marr HAW
Ramon Navarro CHL Rusty Long USA
Jamie O’Brien HAW Tony Ray AUS
Makuakai Rothman HAW Derek Ho HAW
Kelly Slater USA Taylor Knox USA
Jamie Sterling HAW Tau Hannemann HAW
Dave Wassell HAW Manoa Drollet TAH
Grant Baker ZAF
Chris Bertish EU
Carlos Burle BRA
Takayuki Wakita JPN

Honorary Invitees
Donny Solomon HAW
Jay Moriarity USA
Lester Falatea HAW
Mark Foo HAW
Peter Davi USA
Tiger Espere HAW
Todd Chesser HAW
Andy Irons HAW

Held in honor of the legendary Hawaiian waterman, Eddie Aikau, The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau gathers the most skillful and dynamic big-wave surfers from around the globe. The Eddie is a surfer’s ultimate challenge, employing unassisted manpower to physically paddle into and ride giant waves.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is the world’s longest running and most prestigious big-wave invitational and is the only one sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the governing body of professional surfing.

What began as a local tribute to one of Hawaii’s favorite surfing sons in 1984, soon took on a life all its own and the story is the reason why this event continues to grow. Eddie Aikau has come to personify all of the human qualities we honor today: respect, humility, passion, and a love for fellow man. Waimea Bay was the canvas upon which his story is told each year, in his memory. For over 25 years, it is a story that has traversed the globe to touch hearts, minds and imaginations: a life lived with passion, dedicated with meaning, and exited from heroically.

Just 31 years of age when he lost his life in an attempt to save others, Aikau has physically been gone longer – 33 years – than he was here. But far from being forgotten, his life, the waves he rode, and the lives he saved on his ancestral grounds at Waimea Bay have become a part of history, passed on from person to person around the world like a wave seeking shore.

The Eddie has run just eight times in 25 years. You don’t want to miss it when the Bay calls the momentous day. Go to Quiksilver.com/Eddie for swell updates, happenings from the North Shore, and to sign up for text alerts to make sure you’re the first to know when the Bay calls the day!

English version

POLLS OPEN FOR THE 26th ANNUAL QUIKSILVER IN MEMORY OF EDDIE AIKAU

(Huntington Beach, Calif.) August 11, 2010 — Public polling has begun for the 26th annual Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau. Voting will close August 31, 2010. More than 70 of the world’s best big wave paddle-in surfers are posted on the polling list. To vote for your favorite big wave rider go to www.polls.quiksilver.com. Voting is limited to one vote per voter.

This is stage one of the selection process to elect the esteemed 24 invitees for the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau. The event will run on one day between December 1, 2010, and February 28, 2011, when waves at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, reach a minimum of 20 feet. An Opening Ceremony on December 2nd, 2010, will bring together the Aikau Ohana and selected Invitee and Alternate competitors.

A testament to the global appeal of Aikau’s story, “The Eddie” has grown to be the world’s longest-running and most respected big wave specialty event. First staged at Sunset Beach in the winter of 1984/85, then moved to Waimea in 1985/86, it has been held eight times. Its strict adherence to wave height stipulations has only served to underscore the authenticity and importance of the event. Past champions are Denton Miyamura (1985), Clyde Aikau (1986), Keone Downing (1990), Noah Johnson (1999), Ross Clarke-Jones (2001), Kelly Slater (2002), Bruce Irons (2004), and Greg Long (2009).

On December 8, 2009, during the most epic big wave season on record, the Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau was staged in breath-taking waves as tall as palm trees. Images and stories from that day reached the largest international audience in history for a surfing competition.

The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is staged in honor of Waimea Bay’s first official lifeguard and Hawaii’s most famous big-wave rider. A humble Hawaiian surfer, Aikau set the bar for big wave riding at Waimea Bay in the ’60s and ’70s. A natural born waterman, Eddie saved countless lives during his watch as Waimea Bay lifeguard. He also traveled as one of the first touring professional surfers in the mid-’70s when he was ranked among the world’s top 16. During his travels Eddie touched countless lives around the world as he voluntarily delivered a personal message of aloha from Hawaii, often accompanied by his younger brother Clyde and their slack-key guitar playing that was famous for bringing people together.

Eddie lost his life at the age of 31, during an ill-fated voyage of the Hokule’a sailing canoe in 1978. En-route to Tahiti from Oahu, the Hokule’a capsized in the Molokai Channel in heavy weather and giant seas, injuring crew members. Aikau was last seen paddling for the Hawaiian Islands to get help. His life, spirit of aloha, and passion for the ocean and mankind is celebrated annually through this big wave event. It is arguably the most famous story in surfing.

This year’s list of potential invitees includes big wave riders from Australia, Europe, South Africa, South America, Japan, USA, and Hawaii.

Related posts:

See the 2009 edition coverage

Check the 2009 event pics