The monster storm that has brought us all the rain here in the Pacific Southwest has also created some of the largest waves seen on the North Shore of Oahu in over a decade.
As a kid going to school in Honolulu we used to skip school when the surf was huge… so we could see the big wave gladiators getting sucked into the huge blue caverns.
Eddie Aikau was a lifeguard at Waimea and used to love surfing the big waves at Waimea, Sunset, Pipeline and the other hot spots along the North Shore. He was a true waterman from deep down in his soul, and lost his life in the surf at the tender age of 31.
This year is the 25th Anniversary of his passing, the Quicksilver tournament hasn’t been held since 2001, as it requires consistent sets in the 30-40 foot range – but currently sets are rolling through in the 50 foot range.
If it’s still live, you can see it here. If not, you’ve missed a slice of surfing history.
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Hey, bruddah. I’ve met many who were brave when the North Shore swell hit 20 or 30. But this is monster. And real surfers know that the ocean gives, gives, gives until it has to take. Guys like Eddie rode the margins. Sadly, mother ocean was taking that day. Rest in peace, Eddie. All others: be safe.