Eddie Aikau Memorial

Eddie Aikau was the first lifeguard on Waimea Bay. Not only was he a lifeguard, but he was a talented surfer. Aikau reached number 12 in the world in the pro surf rankings. He took part in a canoe voyage that started in Magic Island and ended on Tahiti. Later that night, Aikau went out with his board after hearing rough seas struck and some of his crew members were still at sea. That was the last time Aikau would be seen. Eddie has been missing for 35 years and would be 70 years of age today. He was in his 40’s when he disappeared. After his death, the saying “Eddie would go” became popular, was put bumper stickers and often referenced in pop culture.

The memorial surf contest is put on by Quicksilver at Waimea Bay in Hawaii. The goal for all surfers taking part in the contest was to ride the biggest wave. John John Florence took home the first place prize of 75,000 dollars. Florence conquered a 60 foot wave proposing a new style to the contest. Florence is a native of Hawaii and was ranked 15th in the world last year. Florence has also been in many films. He has been in the films Done, Departure Delayed, Freed to Roam, Begin Again & Againm and View from a Blue Moon. His mother got him into the sport at a very young age and he has continued to stick with it. Florence has continued to rank in the top 20 within the world and compete at many surfing events.