HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has only been held ten times since 1985. During the last competition in 2023, lifeguard Luke Sheperdson won. This year there are plenty of familiar faces and many young new faces who are invitees for the first time.
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Despite the rain, surfers from across the globe came to Waimea Bay for the Rip Cul Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational opening ceremony.
“This is the pinnacle of surfing, big wave surfing. To get invited to this, you always want to show up for as long as you’re invited. So I’m grateful to be here,” said Kai Lenny, Maui Big Wave surfer.
How do forecasters predict waves for The Eddie?
“Honestly, it was so unexpected. It’s such a prestigious event and I’m so honored to be a part of it,” explained Anne Dos Santos, first-time invitee Brazil surfer.
There were many familiar faces and plenty of new and young surfers invited to the prestigious event.