The Eddie Aikau Invitational: A Gathering of Giants at Waimea Bay
The surf world's attention is locked on Waimea Bay as the legendary Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational officially kicked off its holding period on December 5th. This isn't just any surf contest; it's a deeply cultural event honoring the legacy of Eddie Aikau, the heroic waterman who inspired it all. The opening ceremony, a moving blend of Hawaiian tradition and surf stoke, saw competitors and families gather for a paddle out, ocean blessing, and heartfelt tributes, as reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. This year holds extra significance, remembering Eddie's brother, the legendary Clyde Aikau, who passed away in May.
Now, the real anticipation begins. The Eddie only runs when Waimea delivers consistent monster waves – a minimum 20-foot Hawaiian scale (roughly 40-50 feet face height). That rarity means it's only happened 11 times in its 49-year history. When the swells finally align, the world will witness an incredible lineup. Confirmed invitees read like a who's who of big wave royalty: defending champ Landon McNamara (2024 winner), John John Florence (2016 winner), Kelly Slater (2002 winner), Luke Shepardson (2023 winner), Ross Clarke-Jones (2001 winner), and big wave icons like Grant 'Twiggy' Baker, Kai Lenny, Billy Kemper, Jamie O’Brien, Justine Dupont, and many more Hawaiian heavyweights represent the homefront. You can check out the full list of invitees and alternates right here via KITV. The window is open until March 6th – the watch is on!
Deep Dive: The Mystery of the Green Bonzer
While the world waits for Waimea to erupt, the surf community is diving into some compelling history elsewhere. Tanner Gudauskas, known for his deep appreciation for surf culture, is taking viewers on a nostalgic journey in his series 'Finders Keepers.' His latest episode tackles one of the most iconic surfboards ever committed to film: the Green Bonzer from the legendary surf movie 'Shelter.' Tanner explores the board's origins, tracing it back to the Campbell Brothers' revolutionary design, and revisits the film that burned it into collective memory. He sits down with filmmaker Chris Malloy and talks to legends like Taylor Knox, uncovering the stories behind the board that quietly pushed surfing forward. It’s a treasure hunt for surf heritage, a love letter to craftsmanship, and a reminder of a time when surfing felt raw, creative, and wonderfully free. You can catch the full exploration on The Inertia.