Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational 2023 Merchandise and Collectibles

The Legacy of Eddie Aikau and the 2023 Big Wave Invitational

It's that time of year again when big wave surfers and fans get excited for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The contest is held every winter when waves at Waimea reach over 20 feet, continuing the legacy of renowned Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau.

Eddie Aikau was a pioneering big wave rider in the 1960s and 70s who sacrificed his life in 1978 while attempting to get help for his crew on the voyaging canoe Hokule'a after it capsized in stormy seas. His selfless courage and commitment to the Hawaiian values of aloha and ohana are honored each year at The Eddie event.

The Prestigious Invite-Only Big Wave Contest

The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau contest celebrates its 34th year in 2023. It is one of the most prestigious big wave surfing events in the world, with an invite-only list of about 28 elite surfers. To hold the event, open-ocean swells need to reach a minimum of 20 feet according to NOAA buoy readings.

With those conditions, Waimea Bay creates incredibly tall, thick walls of water that allow experienced surfers to ride in the barrel and be spat out. It's considered one of the heaviest and most dangerous big wave breaks, requiring skill, conditioning, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Eddie Would Go Mentality

The saying "Eddie Would Go" represents the courageous mentality needed to ride 20-foot plus Waimea swells. Eddie Aikau pushed the limits of what was thought possible on giant surf, setting an aspirational example for generations after him.

Today's invitees train hard in the gym and put in hours of ocean time to prepare. They also rely on jetski assists and advanced safety teams in case of wipeouts and hold downs in the powerful surf. Riding giants at The Eddie is the ultimate test of big wave skill and bravado.

Spreading the Aloha Spirit

Beyond honoring Eddie Aikau's surfing prowess, The Eddie event celebrates Hawaiian culture and community. A ceremony is held with Eddie's family members each morning of the waiting period.

Food, art, crafts, and merchandise are sold to spectators in the contest area. Proceeds from concessions and merchandise sales help fund the Aikau Foundation's community initiatives promoting Hawaiian values. Special edition collectibles are released each year.

Eddie Aikau 2023 Event Merchandise

For surf fans wanting to rep Eddie Aikau and the 2023 contest, special merch is available. Here are some of the noteworthy Eddie Aikau 2023 t-shirt and collectible drops.

Quiksilver 2023 Eddie T-Shirt

As the official event sponsor, Quiksilver has released a clean 2023 contest tee. It features a large graphic of Eddie surfing a massive wave at Waimea Bay, with "Eddie Would Go" and the year printed on the back and sleeve.

Eddie Aikau Foundation Charity Tee

The Eddie Aikau Foundation charity tee for 2023 has a vintage sun-faded look. The front shows a silhouette of Eddie riding a giant barreling wave. Proceeds go to community development projects promoting Hawaiian culture.

Hawaiian Collective Poi Pounders Tee

Hawaiian brand Poi Pounders printed some cool Eddie graphic tees as part of their limited edition 2023 Winter Aloha series. They have an old school DIY aesthetic with different hand-drawn designs of Eddie shredding Waimea.

Eddie Aikau x Hurley Phantom Collab

Hurley's 2023 Phantom collaboration with The Eddie features boardshorts, tees, and hoodies with trippy abstract artwork based on Eddie's surfing. Part of the proceeds go to The Eddie Aikau Foundation.

Waimea Bay Surf Club Merch

The Waimea Bay Surf Club created special edition embroidered jackets, sweatshirts, and tees paying tribute to The Eddie event's history and legacy at Waimea Bay.

Eddie Aikau Funko Pop!

Funko made a super collectible Eddie Aikau Pop! figure holding a vintage big wave gun surfboard. Only 5,000 were produced, so get your hands on one before they disappear!

Celebrating an Icon and Incredible Event

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is more than just a surf contest - it celebrates Hawaiian heritage, valor in the face of extreme conditions, and the aloha spirit. Eddie Aikau's legacy lives on through those who take on the Waimea Bay challenge.

By sporting an Eddie tee or collectible, you can share in the spirit and excitement of this one-of-a-kind big wave event. It represents the best in surfing and the Hawaii community coming together. We'll see if the conditions align in 2023 for another epic Eddie contest and celebration of an iconic Hawaiian waterman.

FAQs

When is The Eddie big wave contest held?

The Eddie is held every winter surf season between December and February when swell conditions at Waimea Bay reach over 20 feet according to NOAA buoy readings.

How are surfers chosen for The Eddie?

There is an exclusive list of about 28 elite big wave surfers invited to participate. Surfers must be experienced riding giant surf over 20 feet to be considered.

What is the prize for winning The Eddie?

There is no cash prize. Winning The Eddie is about the prestige and honor of mastering Waimea Bay's giant surf.

Is The Eddie held every year?

No, due to the specific swell size requirements, The Eddie only occurs when conditions allow. There have been years when it wasn't held.

Where can I buy Eddie Aikau 2023 merchandise?

Special edition Eddie 2023 tees, collectibles and more are available from brands like Quiksilver, Hurley, Poi Pounders, Waimea Surf Club, and the Eddie Aikau Foundation.