What happened to Eddie Aikau?
Aikau, who died in a rescue attempt following the capsizing of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokulea in 1978, is one of the best-known, least known figure in surfing history. 28 years of The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave riding event at Waimea has seen to that, as has the ubiquitous bumper sticker.
What is the story of Eddie Aikau?
Eddie Aikau was a humble man who was larger than life. As a surfer, he rode the biggest waves in the world; as a lifeguard, he saved hundreds of lives from the North Shore’s treacherous waters; and as a proud Hawaiian, he sacrificed his life to save his fellow sailors aboard the voyaging canoe Hokule’a.
Where did Eddie Aikau live?
| Eddie Aikau | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 5, 1946 Kahului, Territory of Hawaii, United States |
| Died | March 17, 1978 (aged 31) off Molokai/Lanai, Hawaii, United States |
| Residence | Kahului, Hawaii, United States |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
How long did they search for Eddie Aikau?
30-day
In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society was seeking volunteers for a 30-day, 2,500-mile journey to follow the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitianisland chains.
Did they find Eddie Aikau surfboard?
The Hokule’a left Oahu March 16, 1978. It was caught in huge sea storms and capsized. In an attempt to get help, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard. Although the rest of the crew was rescued, Aikau was never found.
Who was the first true big wave surfer?
The origins of big wave surfing date back to the 1940s and 50s. George Downing, Wally Froiseth, Woody Brown, and Buzzy Trent (among others), are considered the forefathers of big wave riding. It was these heroic surfers that were the first to take on the big waves at Makaha, Hawaii.
Who is the most famous surfer in Hawaii?
Duke Kahanamoku
Probably considered the forefather of professional surfing, Duke Kahanamoku is widely revered as an icon and a beloved character of modern Hawaiian history. Hawaii was still its own kingdom when Kahanamoku was born.
Where was Eddie Aikau born?
Kahului, HI
Eddie Aikau/Place of birth
What happened Eddie would go?
What was his cause of death? The double-hulled voyaging canoe set sail on March 16, 1978 but it later developed a leak in one of its hulls and later capsized around 12 miles south of the island of Molokai. Eddie then set off on his surfboard in a bid to get help.
How big are the waves at the Eddie?
The big-wave contest attracts surfers from around the globe to Oahu’s North Shore and celebrates the legacy of Eddie Aikau — the championship athlete and waterman. But it’s only held if surf heights at Waimea Bay reach a consistent 20 feet. The holding period for “The Eddie” will start Dec.
How big do the waves have to be for the Eddie?
The tournament is known for a unique requirement that open-ocean swells reach a minimum height of 60 feet (18 m) before the competition can be held. Open-ocean swells of this height generally translate to wave faces in the bay of 70 feet (21 m) to 80 feet (24 m).
Has anyone died surfing Mavericks?
Some of the most notable are Mark Foo, who died surfing Mavericks on 23 December 1994; Donnie Solomon, who died exactly a year later at Waimea Bay; Todd Chesser, who died at Alligator Rock on the North Shore of Oahu on 14 February 1997; Peter Davi, who died at Ghost Trees on 4 December 2007; Sion Milosky, who died …