Hawaii Searches for Local Big Wave Surfer and Eddie Invitee Eric Haas

When it comes to competitive surfing, there's no higher honor than being invited to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay on the North Shore.

The prestigious contest's a tribute to the late, great Hawaiian lifeguard, surfer, and all-around waterman Eddie Aikau, the North Shore's first-ever lifeguard.

While many big wave surfers have been frothing at their invites on social media, friends of one invitee think he doesn't even know he made the cut.

A couple of weeks ago, the post above announced that Oahu big wave surfer Eric Haas has been invited to compete in the contest. It's captioned:

"2023-2024 Invitee Eric Haas📸 @sean_davey"

There was a positive response in the comments, including one from 11-time world champ Kelly Slater.

Slater wrote: "Yes!"

Landon McNamara said: "Gonna be making everyone push the limits even harder seeing how hard I think he will send it"

Emi Erickson: "❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"

Darrick Doerner commented: "Hands down one of the best natural surfers in the world @theeddieaikau. Thank- you his recognition"

But according to the post below by Hungry Hungry Hawaiian Newz, Haas doesn't even know.

The post reads:

"There is a massive search going on for one of Hawaii's legendary underground big wave surfers! Please let me know if you see Eric Haas and let him know he has been invited to the Eddie Aikau big wave invitational at Waimea Bay!"

According to the convo, Haas has been having a rough one, but it's clear the surf community respects him.

He was seen surfing Waimea Bay about a year ago.

One person wrote: "He was out in the dark before the Eddie last year….. first one out."

hhhnews responded: "Last year he’s was out there for sure! In the dark. He's so classic lol"

Another commented: "He’s been on hard times for sure. Hope he’s able to come around."

***

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.