No 40ft Swell Means The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Will Not Run This Season
Eddie would go, but not this season.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, one of surfing’s most prestigious events, often called the Super Bowl of the sport, will officially not run during the 2025/26 season.
Consistent 40-foot-plus waves – the requisite to run the event – unfortunately did not hit Hawaii and the contest venue, Waimea Bay, during this season’s window, which ran from December 7th, 2025 and will finish on March 6th, 2026.
Eddie Aikau Foundation President, Linda Ipsen, said in a statement:
“The Board of Directors for the Eddie Aikau Foundation would like to express our appreciation for the time and effort that you gave to coverage of the EDDIE Opening Ceremony held on 12/5/25, which was a great success due to the stories that you shared. We were hoping for the 3-peat, but we'll have to wait for the next winter surf season on the North Shore.
“We are grateful for your continued support during this 90-day waiting period and being ready to GO with only a 2-3 day notice.
“Whether the EDDIE goes, or not, you have been a key factor in helping us to celebrate and honor Eddie Aikau's life and legacy.”
In December of 2024, the event was won by North Shore of Oahu native, Landon McNamara; and the year prior, local lifeguard Luke Shepardson took home the win.
Prior to 2023, the event last ran in 2016, with John John Florence winning – the same year the Hawaii-born surfer won his first of three world titles.
The event has long been an homage to legendary surfer, waterman, and the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay, Eddie Aikau. Tragically, the Hawaiian icon lost his life when a sailing voyage went awry in 1978, and Eddie paddled his surfboard into a storm for help. They never found his body; Eddie was 31 years old. And ever since, The Eddie has honored his legacy.
Until next season.