Stories From The Eddie: Clyde Aikau
Historic moments from the greatest big wave event of all time.
Rip Curl The Eddie Big Wave Invitational, or simply ‘The Eddie’, is the most iconic big wave event of all time. No exceptions. Its past events are the stuff of legend, where the biggest chargers from around the world are invited to test their courage at Waimea Bay, build community and honour the memory of one of Hawaii’s greatest heroes.
“It brings this energy that you can’t really compare to any other event,” says Mason Ho. “Just to get lucky for the event to run, the feeling is crazy, because it’s so rare.”
The Eddie only runs if the surf is 20+ ft (40ft wave faces). Those strict guidelines mean it has been greenlit just ten times in the four decades since it first began in 1985. That special nature, raw ocean energy and convergence of surfing’s greatest personalities on hallowed ground, is a recipe for some of our lifestyle’s most incredible stories.
‘Stories From The Eddie’ is a series that dives into those heart bursting, mind bending moments as we approach the waiting period for the 2024/25 season. The first episode asks some of the invitees what the event means to them and speaks to the entire reason why this event was founded in the first place: to commemorate the legacy of Eddie Aikau. The waterman sacrificed his life seeking help when a traditional Polynesian vessel, the Hōkūleʻa, capsized in heavy seas in 1978.
“I hope that people take away from Eddie’s story,” says invitee Emily Erikson, “the idea that you can be brave and tough and also still selfless, to be connected in so many different ways, you know, to the ocean, to the land, looking out for people.”
“When you’re talking about Eddie Aikau and you’re talking Waimea Bay, you’re talking about the first lifeguard on the North Shore,” adds Clyde Aikau, Eddie’s brother and 1986 event winner. “We didn't have any jet skis. We didn't have any motorized zodiacs."
"Eddie was always the bravest guy. No matter what we did, no matter where we went, you could depend on Eddie if something went wrong with you, everybody felt very comfortable.”
Watch the first episode above and keep an eye out for new installments as the season gets into full swing. The waiting period for the Rip Curl The Eddie Big Wave Invitational, in memory of Eddie Aikau starts Dec 14th. The bay calls the day.
