Landon McNamara Wins The Eddie Aikau Invitational
For only the eleventh time in its forty year history the Eddie has run, and this time it's been won by Landon McNamara.
On a day of high anticipation the sideband energy didn't quite live up to the hype, yet the swell still delivered many stand up moments. A number of sets closed out the bay, competitors swung on low percentage waves, and perpetual challenger Mark Healey had to be helped from the water after a brutal wipeout broke his eardrum.
The swell peaked around midday with wave size estimated by competitors between 20 feet (Eala Stewart) and 60 feet (Billy Kemper).
Over two heats, surfers were awarded on their top three waves, and Landon, who's the son of contest organiser and one-time Pipe standout Liam McNamara, won convincingly with two waves over 40 and one perfect 50 point ride. His final score was 135.80, while second placed Mason Ho was 15 points back on 120.90.
Though he only caught two waves in his second heat - competitors were allowed four waves - the second and last wave was arguably the drop of the contest. In terms of size and aesthetics it wasn't unlike Ramon Navarro's famed wave from the 2009 Eddie, the difference being today's wave won the contest for McNamara - in 2009 Navarro came second to Greg Long.
“The thing was a bomb, I was pretty late. I gave it two paddles and then, I don’t know, I stopped and thought I was about to eat crap,” said Landon. “It felt like the gnarliest drop I’ve had in some years out here.”
We'll shortly have a photo gallery from Josh Bystrom and a contest recap from Steve Shearer.
The final standings are:
- Landon McNamara
- Mason Ho
- Billy Kemper
- Jamie O'Brien
- Nathan Florence
- Nick Lamb
- Luke Shepardson
- Kai Lenny
- Koa Rothman
- Ezekiel Lau
Comments
Enjoyable day of viewing. A lot of negative talk in the chat. A few notable absentees and those who should have been given an invite. Coverage was ok, adverts could have been timed differently and commentary a little more on point. All in all fun watching one of the most unique sporting events at the worlds original big wave.
Congrats to the competitors
Congratulations to Landon!
how much better is the Eddie than a wave pool event.
What a celebration! Overflowing with aloha ! Following a turtle to get the win well done Landon !
How did Russ B go? I watched bits and pieces but didn't see him on a wave. Great effort by all involved, ski teams were doing it tough at times.
18th but a very creditable showing.
In and out all day unlike my love life but a very worthy winner in Landon and some great viewing in amongst the chaff.
Looking forward to the write up to fill in the gaps.
Well if Luke was calling it 50-60 ft faces , that’s good enough for me . Unreal line he made on this wave .
I watched the whole comp which is rare for me….loved it…and the commentary was great….was a fun day all round…..good job to all.