Photos: Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Opening Ceremony
It’s still a couple of weeks before the winter solstice, but in the world of big-wave surfing, winter officially begins with the opening ceremony of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay. Honoring the life and legacy of Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard, Eddie Aikau, who died at sea in 1978, the ceremony was held on Friday under rain soaked skies, but with the legendary waterman’s brother, Clyde, on hand to usher in this year’s iteration of the venerable contest, spirits soared.
Established more than 40 years ago, the stringent requirements for the Eddie to run calls for surf at Waimea Bay to consistently see 30- to 40-foot sets. The event has only run ten times over the course of its storied history. The last time it was held, on January 22, 2023, local North Shore lifeguard Luke Shepardson won it in storybook fashion as an estimated 50,000 people filled the beach and cliffs of Waimea to watch. The YouTube livestream clocked in over 1.7 million views.
Supported by Rip Curl and Costa Sunglasses this year, among the invitees for 2024/25 are 2016 winner John John Florence, 2009 winner Greg Long, 2004 winner Bruce Irons, 2002 winner Kelly Slater and 2001 winner Ross Clarke-Jones. This year will also see more women compete in the event than ever before. Among the notable names of female invitees are Keala Kennelly, Paige Alms, Justine Dupont, and local girls Emily Erickson and Moana Jones-Wong.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational event window opens December 14 and closes March 13, 2025. As they say, the Bay calls the day. Until then, enjoy some photos from the opening ceremony courtesy of Maui-based lensman Matt Cibulka:
