The Eddie

Every December for the last 23 years a ceremony takes place at Waimea Bay on Oahu's North Shore commencing The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau surf contest. An elite group of the worlds best big wave surfers are invited to participate in the contest, which takes place only when the waves at Waimea reach a minimum of 25 ft (Hawaiian standard, the wave is measured from the back, that's roughly a 50 ft face). The ceremony is a beautiful event, which includes a blessing by a local Hawaiian priest and a paddle out where all the contestants form a circle in the water and prayers are made for everyone's safety. I was lucky enough to attend the most recent ceremony on Dec. 1, 2008, where I took these pictures.


Kahu (priest) Billy Mitchell

Rusty Keaulana

Chava Greenlee

Kala Alexander

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