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The Daily Insight

Where is Eddie Aikau

Author

Ava Hall

Published Mar 09, 2026

Eddie AikauDiedMarch 17, 1978 (aged 31) off Molokai/Lanai, Hawaii, United StatesResidenceKahului, Hawaii, United StatesHeight5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)Weight180 lb (82 kg)

What happened to Eddie Aikau?

Aikau, who died in a rescue attempt following the capsizing of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokulea in 1978, is one of the best-known, least known figure in surfing history. 28 years of The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave riding event at Waimea has seen to that, as has the ubiquitous bumper sticker.

Where is the Eddie Aikau statue?

He may have vanished, but his memory still lives on. You’ll likely see “Eddie would go” bumper stickers around the islands, and you can visit his monument at the popular Waimea Bay. Knowing his story simply adds to the magic of the big wave beach.

Did a shark get Eddie Aikau?

Aikau figured it would take five hours. But fierce winds–and perhaps sharks–dictated otherwise. He was never found, despite a rescue effort that involved dozens of helicopters and boats.

What happened Eddie would go?

Eddie Would Go The Story of Eddie Aikau, Hawaiian Hero As a surfer, he rode the biggest waves in the world; as a lifeguard, he saved hundreds of lives from the North Shore’s treacherous waters; and as a proud Hawaiian, he sacrificed his life to save his fellow sailors aboard the voyaging canoe Hokule’a.

Where was Eddie Aikau a lifeguard?

Eddie Aikau was the first ever offical lifeguard at Waimea Bay, on Oahu’s North Shore.

Did they find Eddie Aikau surfboard?

The Hokule’a left Oahu March 16, 1978. It was caught in huge sea storms and capsized. In an attempt to get help, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard. Although the rest of the crew was rescued, Aikau was never found.

Who was the first true big wave surfer?

The origins of big wave surfing date back to the 1940s and 50s. George Downing, Wally Froiseth, Woody Brown, and Buzzy Trent (among others), are considered the forefathers of big wave riding. It was these heroic surfers that were the first to take on the big waves at Makaha, Hawaii.

Who is the most famous surfer in Hawaii?

Probably considered the forefather of professional surfing, Duke Kahanamoku is widely revered as an icon and a beloved character of modern Hawaiian history. Hawaii was still its own kingdom when Kahanamoku was born.

Who is the most famous surfer?

Hawaii, U.S. Los Angeles, California U.S. Robert Kelly Slater (born February 11, 1972) is an American professional surfer, best known for his unmatched 11 world surfing championship wins. Slater is widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time.

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What is the biggest wave ever surfed?

On November 11, 2011, US surfer Garrett McNamara was towed by Andrew Cotton into a massive wave at Nazaré. At the time, the 78-foot (23,8-meter) wave entered history as the largest wave ever surfed, as acknowledged by Guinness World Records at the time.

How big are the waves at the Eddie?

The big-wave contest attracts surfers from around the globe to Oahu’s North Shore and celebrates the legacy of Eddie Aikau — the championship athlete and waterman. But it’s only held if surf heights at Waimea Bay reach a consistent 20 feet. The holding period for “The Eddie” will start Dec.

What does the bumper sticker Eddie would go mean?

Popular culture. In the 1980s, bumper stickers and T-shirts with the phrase “Eddie Would Go” spread around the Hawaiian Islands and to the rest of the world. According to maritime historian Mac Simpson, “Aikau was a legend on the North Shore, pulling people out of waves that no one else would dare to.

Who coined the phrase Eddie would go?

Mark Foo coined the phrase at the inaugural Eddie event at Sunset Beach in 1985, when the contest directors debated postponing the contest. They thought the 20-foot surf was too big. Foo disagreed. “Eddie would go,” he told them.

What surfer recently died?

Spanish surfer Óscar Serra has died following a surfing accident in Mexico. He was 22.

How many world titles does Kelly Slater have?

He holds nearly every significant record in the sport, with 11 world titles, 55 event victories, and the record for being both the youngest and oldest men’s world champion.

Who invented surfing?

In 1890, the pioneer in agricultural education John Wrightson reputedly became the first British surfer when instructed by two Hawaiian students at his college. George Freeth (1883–1919) is often credited as being the “Father of Modern Surfing”. He is thought to have been the first modern surfer.

How did Eddie Aikau become a lifeguard?

In recognition of his special skills, he became a lifeguard at Waimea Bay despite not having a high school diploma. “It was a special thing that he got an exemption to be a lifeguard even though he didn’t have a high-school degree,” said Clyde Aikau.

How many lives did Eddie save?

For more than a decade, legendary surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau watched over the beaches of Waimea Bay, Hawaii. And in all his years in the lifeguard tower, he made some 500 rescues without losing a single life.

Who is Laird Hamilton married to?

Laird John Hamilton (born March 2, 1964) is an American big-wave surfer, co-inventor of tow-in surfing, and an occasional fashion and action-sports model and actor. He is married to Gabrielle Reece, a professional volleyball player, television personality, and model.

How does Duke Kahanamoku save lives with his surfboard?

Before him, as he swam, he pushed his long surf board. Five of the capsized fisherman had drowned before the swimmers reached them, but it was no trick at all for Kahanamoku and his followers to buoy up 13 survivors, drag them across their boards, catch a wave and rush their gasping passengers ashore in relays.

Is Bethany Hamilton related to Laird Hamilton?

Hamilton, Bethany (1990 – ) Beatific amateur champion who, at age 13, lost her left arm to a tiger shark while surfing near her home in Kauai. Hamilton (no relation to Bill or Laird Hamilton) was born (1990) and raised in Kauai, began surfing at age four, and was soon dominating the local amateur circuit.

Has anyone died surfing Mavericks?

Some of the most notable are Mark Foo, who died surfing Mavericks on 23 December 1994; Donnie Solomon, who died exactly a year later at Waimea Bay; Todd Chesser, who died at Alligator Rock on the North Shore of Oahu on 14 February 1997; Peter Davi, who died at Ghost Trees on 4 December 2007; Sion Milosky, who died …

How many have died at Pipeline?

Over the years, about eleven surfers have died while surfing. Jon Mozo, a surf photographer, passed away last February.

Did Garrett ever surf a 100 foot wave?

In January 2013, McNamara broke his own world record by surfing an estimated 100-foot (30 m) wave. He also did this off the coast of Nazaré.

Has anyone ever died surfing?

Some of the most notable are Mark Foo, who died surfing Mavericks on 23 December 1994; Donnie Solomon, who died exactly a year later at Waimea Bay; Todd Chesser, who died at Alligator Rock on the North Shore of Oahu on 14 February 1997; Peter Davi, who died at Ghost Trees on 4 December 2007; Sion Milosky, who died …

Why do surfers have blonde hair?

The hair of surfers is often damaged and bleached, brought about by frequent exposure to sunlight, humidity and salty water. Blonder or red headed individuals tend to be more affected, given that their pheomelanin is more sensitive.

Who is the best surfer in the world 2021?

  • Lakey Peterson, United States.
  • Jordy Smith, South Africa.
  • Stephanie Gilmore, Australia.
  • Kanoa Igarashi, Japan. …
  • Malia Manuel, Hawaii. …
  • Felipe Dana, France. …
  • Sage Erickson, United States. …
  • Leonardo Fioravanti, Italy. Leonardo Fioravanti is one of the best surfers of 2021.

Who has ridden a 100 foot wave?

SNELL: That was big wave surfer Garrett McNamara. The new HBO documentary series about him is called “100 Foot Wave.” Garrett McNamara, thanks so much for joining us.

Has anyone tried to surf a tsunami?

You can’t surf a tsunami because it doesn’t have a face. Many people have the misconception that a tsunami wave will resemble the 25-foot waves at Jaws, Waimea or Maverick’s, but this is incorrect: those waves look nothing like a tsunami. … On a tsunami, there’s no face, so there’s nothing for a surfboard to grip.

How far inland would a 100 foot tsunami travel?

Most tsunamis are less than 10 feet high when they hit land, but they can reach more than 100 feet high. When a tsunami comes ashore, areas less than 25 feet above sea level and within a mile of the sea will be in the greatest danger. However, tsunamis can surge up to 10 miles inland.