Rip Curl today announced sponsorship for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Since 2016, the contest has been without a major partner, the Aikau family being unable to agree to terms with longtime sponsor Quiksilver.

Initially, the contest was the idea of Quiksilver's Bruce Raymond with the first instalment run at Sunset Beach and won by Denton Miyamura. In 1986, the contest moved to Waimea Bay and was won by Eddie's younger brother Clyde. It's been run just eight more times since then - the most recent event held in January 2023, where it was won by North Shore lifeguard Luke Shepardson.

Shepardson had been scheduled to work the lifeguard tower at Waimea the day of the Eddie and took breaks during his shift to go surf his heats.

From 2021 till 2023, Rip Curl sponsored the WSL Finals Day. It's unknown how many years Rip Curl have confirmed support of the Eddie.

"Established in memory of the late Aikau, a Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard, first run in 1984, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational requires a full day of consistent 25-foot surf to be called on. Because of its commitment to running in only the heaviest Hawaiian conditions, the event has only been run ten times in 40 years. The unique format features an exclusive invite list of 40 surfers who are decided upon by the Aikau family at the start of every winter season in Hawaii. There are an additional 23 alternate surfers also invited."

"A lifelong advocate for Hawaii’s culture and people, on March 16,1978, Aikau set out on the Hōkūle‘a, a 60ft traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe, with a crew of fellow Hawaiian sailors. The vessel set sail from Oahu on a 30-day, 2,500-mile voyage that was intended to travel to Tahiti and illustrate how Polynesians were able to traverse the wide, expansive openness of the Pacific Ocean.

"As the Hōkūle‘a passed by the island of Molokaʻi, one of the hulls began to leak and the boat capsized. Aikau famously set off on his surfboard to paddle for help. The crew was eventually rescued, but tragically, Aikau was never seen again. Among his exploits in the surf, it’s this selflessness and dedication to his crew Hawaiian members that has helped foster the Aikau legend."

To read the presser click here.