The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, also known as the “Super Bowl of Surfing,” saw a surprise winner this year as local lifeguard Luke Shepardson took home first place. The competition, held at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, is only held when the surf is at least 20 feet (6.1 meters) high and is considered one of the most prestigious big wave surfing events in the world.
Shepardson’s Rise to the Top
Luke Shepardson, a 27-year-old lifeguard at Waimea Bay, took approved breaks from his duty to compete in the event, affectionately known as the “Eddie.” He shocked the surfing world with his near-perfect score of 89.1 points, beating out defending champion John John Florence who placed second with 84.2 points. Mark Healey and Billy Kemper rounded out the top four.
Eddie Aikau: A Legend in the Surfing World
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held in memory of big-wave surfer Eddie Aikau, who was the first official lifeguard on the North Shore and passed away while volunteering to look for help during bad weather. The event is only held when waves consistently reach a height of 20 feet during the winter months at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu.
A Rare Event
The Eddie is a rare event and this was the first time it was held since 2016. The competition is only held occasionally, when the waves are consistently high enough to meet the 20 feet requirement. This year, the enormous waves at Waimea Bay produced a series of breath-taking and nerveless performances from those invited to take part in the competition.
Celebrating the Winner
As soon as Shepardson was announced winner of the event, the crowd and his fellow competitors cheered and celebrated. He accepted the award wearing his yellow lifeguard t-shirt and red board shorts, saying it was a “dream come true” simply to participate in the competition. The Price for first place was $10,000 and his scores were 30.0, 30.0, and 29.1 across the best waves.
First Women’s Participation
This year also saw women – six in total – take part in the competition for the first time, and it was Andrea Moller who made history as the first woman to catch a wave at the Eddie. Back in 2016, Kaela Kennelly was the first woman invited to the competition after being named as an alternate.
Clyde Aikau, the competition director and brother of Eddie, thanked the contestants and praised their efforts in the awards ceremony. He said, “I want to thank everyone for being here today. I want to praise every single contestant who paddled out because just paddling out today was a feat in itself, and congratulations to all the contestants.”
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has seen many surfing veterans take home the title in the past, including Kelly Slater in 2002 and Ross Clarke Jones in 2001. However, no surfer has ever won the event more than once, making Shepardson’s win even more impressive. The fact that he is also a local lifeguard, just like Eddie Aikau, adds to the significance of his victory. It is a testament to his dedication and skill as both a lifeguard and surfer, and a fitting tribute to the legacy of Eddie Aikau.
Shepardson’s win at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a true underdog story. He may not have been a household name in the surfing world before this competition, but his talent and determination have certainly put him on the map. His victory is a reminder that anything is possible if you have the courage to chase your dreams.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together the best big wave surfers in the world to honor the memory of a true legend in the sport. This year’s competition was no exception, with some of the most thrilling and daring surfing performances on display. The fact that it was won by a local lifeguard, who also happens to be a talented surfer, makes it even more special. It serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the true spirit of the sport.
