The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau

www.quiksilver.com/eddie

The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau is the world's most prestigious big-wave surfing event and is the only big-wave surf contest sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), the governing body of professional surfing.

Scheduled to take place at the hallowed grounds of Waimea Bay, on the North Shore of Oahu, between December 1, 2008, and February 28, 2009, the event, otherwise known as "The Eddie", requires one day with a minimum of 20-foot surf (Hawaiian scale) in order to run.

Held in honor of the legendary Hawaiian waterman, Eddie Aikau, the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau gathers 28 of the most skillful and dynamic big-wave surfers from around the world as polled by a comprehensive panel consisting of influential watermen, members of the surf industry, and internationally recognized surfing Associations.

The first memorial event for Aikau was held in 1984 at Sunset Beach, two miles north of Waimea Bay. It was won by local standout Denton Miyamura. Following the inaugural event, The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau moved to Waimea Bay, where it has remained ever since. 2008 marks the event's 24th anniversary; in only seven of those years have the waves been big enough and the conditions right to hold the contest.

In the realm of big-wave riding, the name Eddie Aikau commands as much respect as Waimea Bay itself. Aikau was the North Shore of Oahu's first lifeguard, watching over the Bay when he wasn't charging the biggest waves of the winter. Tragically, he lost his life in 1978, at the age of 33, during a re-creation of the Polynesian voyage between Hawaii and Tahiti. In huge seas, the voyaging canoe Hokule'a was capsized. Eddie paddled off in an attempt to reach help for his fellow crewmen. He was never seen again but his spirit and legacy live on.

The complete list of Invitees and Alternates for this year's event are listed below and available online at www.quiksilver.com/eddie. The website also includes photos and video from previous year's events, Invitee profiles and swell updates. Visitors can sign up to receive text updates for the "Official Contest Call" and watch online when the Bay calls the day.

Collectible limited-edition The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau merchandise, including boardshorts, t-shirts, hats, sandals and backpack, are also available in Quiksilver stores.  

Location: Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu, HAWAII

Opening Ceremony: Thursday, December 4, 2008. 3pm.

Event Holding Period: December 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009. To be held on one day when surf measures at least 20 feet (40 feet faces).

The Big-Wave Riders: 28 of the world's best big-wave riders, including defending champion Bruce Irons (Hawaii), nine-time world champion-elect Kelly Slater (Florida), and Aikau's younger brother and former champion Clyde Aikau. US$ 55,000 for first place.

1984 (held at Sunset Beach): Denton Miyamura (Hawaii)
1986: Clyde Aikau (Hawaii)
1990: Keone Downing (Hawaii)
1999: Noah Johnson (Hawaii)
2001: Ross Clarke-Jones (Australia)
2002: Kelly Slater (Florida)
2004: Bruce Irons (Hawaii)

Michel Bourez Wins Reef Hawaiian Pro - Qualifies for 2009 ASP World Tour

After his career best result, a win at The Reef Hawaiian Pro, held at the notorious North Shore break of Haleiwa.  Michel now lies in second place on the WQS ratings.  Gaining essential points in the penultimate WQS event of the year, the Tahitian surfer is now in the safe zone for qualification for next years Dream Tour. 

Michel posted the highest heat score during the event, an 18.96 on his way to his victory.  The Tahitian surfer was overjoyed with the surf and felt right at home in the powerful North Shore conditions. "Everybody was getting barreled I was screaming my head off. It was so sick. I was having so much fun out there and that's what I call a good contest. It means a lot to just (qualify for) the ASP World Tour. I've been dreaming about this my whole life since I started to surf. I've been watching all the best surfers, like Kelly (Slater) and (Rob) Machado, all those guys. And, right now I can surf with them. It's a good opportunity for me and all the Tahitian surfers. I'm stoked for Tahiti." 

Michel has already made his mark in the big league of the ASP World tour.  Surfing as a wildcard in the Quiksilver Pro France event this year, Michel scalped many of the big names on his way to an impressive Quarter final result.  The young surfer turned a lot of heads and can enter the Dream Tour with confidence.  For one thing is certain, on the 2009 Tour, if the waves are ever big, powerful and hollow Michel is going to be one of the most exciting surfers to watch.  His victory in Haleiwa means he also leads The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Series, one of the most prestigous titles available in the surfing world.  He has nothing to lose going into the last events of the year, he is in form, confident and right at home.  Anyone who has seen him surf knows how dangerous he can be, so it will be no surprise to see him shine again before the year is out.

Ibon Amatrian, the big wave rider

Ibon has begun the winter season with a bang, having already logged some great swells and been recognized for his efforts.  However, for Ibon the best and biggest is perhaps yet to come.  He is the highest rated European in the alternates list for the world's most prestigious big wave competition, The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory Of Eddie Aikau.  The world famous contest will be held only when the waves meet the minimum 20ft requirement so Ibon will be checking charts for signs of a monster swell.  The location is the infamous Waimea Bay on Hawaii's North Shore, which is the true gladiator pit for big wave surfers and a long way from Ibon's home in the Basque Country.  Ibon will then be relying on invitees above him on the list not taking up their place but, if that happens, he will be ready.

To back up his credentials, Ibon also has an entry into the Billabong XXL Awards.  The XXL event runs for a year and the world's biggest waves are compared and judged.  Ibon has previously had entries after surfing Planeixa and Playa Gris in Northern Spain, but this year he has already upped the ante by scoring a wave called Schrodinger's Left.  The wave was a mutant looking, 20-foot monster!  Judging by Ibon's performance at Schrodinger's Left, if there is any chance for Ibon to impress at Waimea Bay this winter, you can be assured the Basque charger will be the first to go!

http://live.quiksilver.com/2008/eddie

Gabe Davies