Eddie Aikau was a Hawaiian lifeguard, big wave surfer, and icon that passed away in 1978 when participating in a historic journey from Hawaii to Tahiti by traditional canoe. The Hōkūleʻa encountered a leak in its hull and capsized. To save the crew, Eddie volunteered to paddle on his surfboard to Lanai. The crew was later found by the US Coast Gaurd, but Eddie's body was never found. Each year a big wave surf contest is held to honor Eddie at the historic Waimea Bay. For the contest to be held, the bay has to see a minimum of a 20ft swell, which has lead to only 9 times since its inception in 1985 that it has run. The top athletes in the world are invited to the event and there is a opening ceremony that takes place each and every year before the opening period of the contest. Eddie represents the true spirit of Hawaii in that he gave his life to save others. No matter where you come from, we can all learn from Eddie. #Eddiewouldgo.

 

A Film by Phil Schlieder

www.philschlieder.com