‘We are on’: The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational gets green light for Sunday
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The bay has called the day! The 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is officially a go, organizers announced Friday morning.
The contest is set to begin at 8 a.m. Sunday for its 39th edition dedicated to the North Shore’s legendary waterman.
Contest director Liam McNamara said the surf conditions are looking ideal for the big wave competition.
“I’m very confident we’re gonna get big waves. We’re gonna get what we need. All the factors are lining up,” he said. “This is a big decision. It’s not a decision I make on my own, of course, Clyde Aikau and others and our committee of people. I’m the contest director so ultimately I make the final decision here.”
McNamara added that at the end of the day, Mother Nature is unpredictable.
“What everybody needs to understand is Mother Nature, the higher power the bay itself, the bay will call the day. It is a green light, we are on and the morning once we see the first bit of action as the sun rises, will be the final call to obviously run the event.”
Previous Coverage:
- SPECIAL SECTION: 2023 Eddie Aikau Stories
- Will ‘Eddie’ go? What big-wave contest organizers are looking for
- With ‘The Eddie’ possible, groups and organizers urge safety — and to leave a lot at home
- Yellow alert for ‘The Eddie’ this weekend as north-shore surf rises to dangerous levels
If you plan to attend the contest at Waimea Bay, get there early and expect slow moving traffic.
McNamara said spectators who are planning to watch the event in-person should aim to arrive early and to be safe with the high surf.
The Eddie has only run 10 times in the last 40 years, and participation is by invitation only.
The contest was last held in January 2023. City lifeguard Luke Shepardson etched his name into the history books after beating out the world’s best big-wave surfers.
Spectators can also watch the event on rogue.tv or on ripcurl.com.
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