‘The Eddie’ is back on! Organizers confirm big wave surf contest as large swell rolls in

 The 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a go, organizers said Thursday.

The contest is set to begin on Sunday for its 34th edition dedicated to the North Shore’s legendary waterman.

Clyde Aikau — the organizer of the contest and brother of Eddie Aikau — says that conditions will be epic on Sunday with waves estimated to reach 30 feet. He added that wind and wave directions will be just right.

The list includes 2016 winner John John Florence, 2002 winner Kelly Slater, four-time Peahi champ Billy Kemper, and father-and-son duo Mason and Michael Ho.

This edition of the Eddie will also be dedicated to Solomon Aikau and longtime Waikiki beachboy China Uemura, who recently passed away.

If you plan to attend the contest at Waimea Bay, get there early and expect slow moving traffic.

Clyde recently had to call off the contest earlier in the month due to unfavorable wind conditions, but right now, it’s all systems go.

Forty surfers were invited this year, including five women.

2022-2023 INVITEES

Aaron Gold

Andrea Moller

Billy Kemper

Eli Olson

Emily Erickson

Ezekiel Lau

Grant Baker

Greg Long

Ian Walsh

Jake Maki

Jamie O'Brien

Jamie Mitchell

John John Florence

Josh Moniz

Justine Dupont

Kai Lenny

Keala Kennelly

Keali’i Mamala

Kelly Slater

Koa Rothman

Kohl Christensen

Landon McNamara

Lucas Chianca

Luke Shepardson

Makani Adric

Makuakai Rothman

Mark Healey

Mason Ho

Michael Ho

Nathan Florence

Nathan Fletcher

Nic von Rupp

Paige Alms

Peter Mel

Ramon Navarro

Ross Clarke-Jones

Shane Dorian

Taio Shipman

Tikanui Smith

Tyler Larronde

MEN ALTERNATES

Mikey O'Shaughnessy

Kahea Hart

Chris Owens

Dave Wassel

Ben Wilkinson

Joey Cadiz (Aloha)

Reef McIntosh

Mike Pietsch

Torrey Meister

Ryan Seelbach

Chris Bertish

Jamie Sterling

WOMEN ALTERNATES

Bianca Valenti

Laura Enever

Raquel Heckert

Silvia Nabuco

Polly Ralda

Isabelle Leonhardt

The competition can be watched live on the foundation’s website, theeddieaikau.com.  

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