The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Opening Ceremony is Happening Today

Some of the world's best and bravest big wave surfers will gather on the North Shore today for the opening ceremony of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay.

Also known as "The Eddie," it's one of the most prestigious surfing events in the world.

For many surfers, especially ones from Hawaii, there's no higher honor than being invited to compete in the contest. Except for winning it, of course. North Shore lifeguard Luke Shepardson took the win last year.

The contest is a tribute to the late, great Hawaiian lifeguard, surfer, and all-around waterman Eddie Aikau who was the North Shore's first-ever lifeguard. The waves have only been big enough to run the event 10 times since its inception in 1984.

According to The Eddie's website, "the contest will run if wave face heights consistently reach 40 feet between December 14, 2023, through March 12, 2024."

Hawaii news station KHON2 is broadcasting live from Waimea Bay all day covering the ceremony.

In the video above, reporter Chris Latronic talks to the event's director, Liam McNamara, who said they've gained much more support since last year.

In addition to the "who's who" list of invitees from Hawaii, McNamara said, "We've got a lot more international presence this year."

New invitees are coming from Italy, Portugal, Japan, Tahiti, South Africa, and Australia.

"Not everybody made it on. That's not possible, there's so many good surfers. We're just trying to do our best," McNamara said.

McNamara said that Clyde Aikau, Eddie's brother, ultimately decides who makes the cut and gets a coveted invite.

McNamara has some advice for anyone who might decide to brave the North Shore traffic to watch the ceremony:

"They might want to park down the road and walk down, or get a bike or something."

Check out the full list of invitees and alternates here.

***

Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.

Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.