Oahu's Elusive Big Wave Surfer Has Surfaced and is Ready for 'The Eddie'

Yesterday, we reported that the search was on for an Oahu big wave surfer who didn't know he'd been invited to this year's Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay.

His name is Eric Haas, who the New York Times once called "an eccentric cult figure among North Shore surfers."

But word spread quick, Haas got the news, and he's super stoked.

A few days ago, Hungry Hungry Hawaiian Newz announced its search for Haas and captioned the post:

"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!"

It didn't take long for someone to produce the video above of a lei-wearing, shaka-throwing Haas at Honolulu's Inter-Island Surf Shop.

The post above is captioned:

"Eric Haas expresses his thoughts and feelings on being invited to surf in the Eddie Aikau big wave classic.

"Last year like every other year he was seen surfing Waimea during the early hours of the morning of the contest in the dark."

In the video, Haas says:

"I'm excited and happy and I can't explain how wonderful it is to be in this event. I'm just gonna do it my best and give it all I got from the bottom of my heart, from the deepest of the heavens."

While Haas has lived a troubled life on the margins of society, he's remained an elusive charger who's still loved and respected in the surf community.

Hawaiian waterman Brian Keaulana once called him, "One of the most talented surfers ever."

His contest invite was announced in the post below. It got positive feedback from other surfers, including 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"

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

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