The Eddie Waits: Community Rallies, Safety Innovates
The surfing world is buzzing with stories that touch our hearts, challenge our boundaries, and show just how tight-knit our community truly is. From Hawaii to Wales, the waves are bringing surfers together in ways that go far beyond just catching the perfect ride.
At Waimea Bay, hundreds gathered on Friday to mark the opening of the legendary Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational's holding period. This isn't just any surf contest – it's one of the most revered events in big-wave surfing, with a mystique that comes from its rarity. The Eddie only runs when Waimea delivers consistent 20- to 25-foot Hawaiian scale waves (that's roughly 40-50 feet on the face) for an entire day – a condition so rare that the competition has only run 11 times in its 49-year history.
The ceremony, rich with protocol, mele, and generations of big-wave riders, honored legendary waterman Eddie Aikau and his brother Clyde who passed away in May. 'For those who don't know, the Eddie represents more than just surfing – it's about respect for the ocean and carrying forward the legacy of those who've gone before us,' said Honolulu lifeguard Joey Cadiz, stationed at the Waimea Bay tower. You can feel the full atmosphere of this special event as reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world in Wales, the surfing community is showing its heart. Seventeen-year-old Delphi Beck, the under-18s girls Welsh longboarding champion, was seriously injured in a car crash last month. The accident left her with a shattered pelvis, requiring a six-hour operation and a long road to recovery. What happened next speaks volumes about our tribe's spirit – the community rallied together to support her journey back to the waves.
'Delphi has big dreams for her surfing future. This accident has knocked her world off its axis, but with proper rehab and support she has every chance of coming back strong,' shared a spokesperson for the 'Back to the Waves – Support Delphi's Rehab Journey' GoFundMe campaign. Within days, donations climbed above £5,000, with messages describing her as 'a rising star' and 'a lovely young girl who lights up the line-up.' Her family, deeply moved by the outpouring of support, expressed, 'We have been extremely touched by the kind words the community has given us over this difficult week.'
As the community supports one of its own, down under in Australia, surfers are getting some extra protection at the water's edge. New South Wales has announced a $2.5 million state government plan to reduce shark attack risks at unpatrolled beaches, including deploying shark-spotting drones and distributing 200 'bite kits.' This comes after several fatal attacks in recent months, including the tragic loss of surfer Mercury Psillakis at Long Reef Beach in Dee Why.
The government will also engage Surfing NSW to offer drone training to surf clubs along the NSW coast between Newcastle and Wollongong. 'We're constantly looking for ways to improve safety without interfering with the natural environment,' said a spokesperson for the initiative. You can read more about these safety innovations over at 9News.
These stories – from honoring legends at The Eddie, to supporting a young champion's recovery, to innovating safer ways to enjoy the waves – show what makes our surfing community so special. It's not just about the ride; it's about how we lift each other up, honor our history, and look out for one another as we all chase that next perfect wave.