Eddie Aikau Big Wave History

The big wave surfing event in memory of Eddie Aikau began in 1984 as a local tribute to one of Hawaii’s favorite surfing sons. This 2009-2010 season will celebrate 25 years of the event perpetuating Aikau’s life, legacy, and spirit. It will be held on one day, between December 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010, when (and if) waves exceed the 20 foot minimum threshold. In the past twenty-five years it has been completed only seven times.

1984-1985
Denton Miyamura won the first memorial event in Aikau’s honor held at Sunset Beach.

1986-1987
The event was moved to Waimea, and Clyde Aikau won in onshore 20 foot surf.

1989-1990
With wave heights of 25 foot plus, it was won by Keone Downing.

1995-1996
Only one of two rounds was held, and no one was declared a winner.

1997-1998
The waves were over 30 feet, which (ironically) was deemed too big, and the event didn’t go.

1998-1999
Noah Johnson, the smallest surfer in the event, was unstoppable on a day of cartoonish proportions.

2000-2001
Ross Clarke-Jones, an invitee since the beginning of the event at Waimea finally got his just reward in 20 foot plus surf.

2001-2002
Kelly Slater proved that his supreme status is not limited to the world tour.

2004-2005
Booming 25 plus waves and a maximum capacity crowd for the 20th anniversary event saw Bruce Irons ride a wave to the shore culminating in a closeout barrel.