The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational: You can surf the waves of three feet?
In November of each year, the North Shore of Oahu – Big Island of Hawaii – is a magnet for adventurous surfers in the world. This is where the waves, having traveled 1000 miles across the Pacific to fall to the shore as enormous rollers. Many surf competitions are held on the north coast, in winter, but the biggest is undoubtedly the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. This contest has no set date, but is called when Waimea Bay waves reach heights of up to ten meters.
The competition is named after a surfer unassuming champion, who died in 1978 in tragic circumstances in 32 years of age. In response to the call for volunteers from the Society Traveling Polynesia, Eddie Aikau agreed to be part of the crew to recreate an ancient migration Between Hawaii and Tahiti Polynesia chain, some 2,400 miles south of Honolulu. Travelling in a replica of the double-hulled canoe, Aikau and his fellow crew left Hawaii on March 16 but soon ran into difficulties.
After developing a leak in one of the hulls, the canoe capsized, possibly, all dumped in the Pacific. Stuck in the disaster of the ship, its crew and hapless Aikau was caught in a strong current that was 12 kilometers southwest of the island Lanai. As their situation became increasingly desperate and helpless neighbor, Aikau insisted on trying to swim to Lanai to increase aid. Finally the captain agreed reluctantly and swam at 10:30 in the morning, never to be seen again. The rest of his team stayed with the overturned boat and were rescued by midnight.
Previous to his tragic death, Eddie was a champion surfer, a highly respected member of the Hawaiian surfing community and monitored for the first time in Waimea Bay Beach Park, North Shore, monument where his statue stands. In his role as the North Shore lifeguard Eddie saved the lives of many swimmers and surfers, not just one person had lost his watch.
If you want to witness Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is worth considering that while the north coast of Oahu is undeniably beautiful, it offers limited accommodation options. It would be better to stay in one of the many hotels Waikiki, Honolulu, in the south and drive to the North Coast, when announcing the invitation. Since this only happens when the waves exceed ten meters is possible you want to spend time in their practice skills Honolulu and surfing the lively beach of Waikiki, instead of kicking their heels in North Beach.
About the Author
Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer from Scotland. His interests include travelling and hiking.
Bruce Iron’s Perfect 100 in Quiksilver Eddie Aikau
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1967 EDDIE AIKAU AT WAIMEA BAY ORIGINAL HAND PRINTED BY PHOTOGRAPHER $12.50 |
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