03/07/2026
The legendary Waimea Bay surf contest is hitting pause after two historic years.
Why organizers say the iconic North Shore event is stopping — and what it could mean for the future.
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WAIMEA, Hawaii — The ocean did not answer the call this season.
The waiting period for THE EDDIE® Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau closed Friday, March 6, after 90 days without waves large enough to hold the event at Waimea Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore.
Surf arrived several times during the winter, but never reached the standard required to run one of surfing’s rarest competitions.
The contest, that only runs when wave faces reach 40 feet, has taken place only 11 times in its 41-year history.
When that happens, 50,000 people gather at Waimea Bay and millions watch worldwide.
Many watched the ocean this season with high hopes since the last two years have produced big winners in 2023 and again in 2024.
Luke Shepardson won in 2023.
Landon McNamara won in 2024.
Organizers said a third straight contest would have been historic.
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Conditions never reached the mark
Contest Director Liam McNamara said the winter surf never produced the consistent 40-foot wave faces required to safely run THE EDDIE at Waimea Bay.
“As we reach the end of the waiting period for THE EDDIE, it’s clear that the qualifying swell conditions simply weren’t there this year. Although we had one solid day of big surf, this season was largely lackluster when it came to the large waves we need to run the event,” said McNamara.
“We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who committed their time and support to THE EDDIE this year. Their dedication is what allows us to continue to honor Eddie Aikau’s legacy.”
🪨🪨🪨🪨🪨
The legendary Waimea Bay surf contest is hitting pause after two historic years.
Why organizers say the iconic North Shore event is stopping — and what it could mean for the future.
🪨🪨🪨🪨🪨
WAIMEA, Hawaii — The ocean did not answer the call this season.
The waiting period for THE EDDIE® Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau closed Friday, March 6, after 90 days without waves large enough to hold the event at Waimea Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore.
Surf arrived several times during the winter, but never reached the standard required to run one of surfing’s rarest competitions.
The contest, that only runs when wave faces reach 40 feet, has taken place only 11 times in its 41-year history.
When that happens, 50,000 people gather at Waimea Bay and millions watch worldwide.
Many watched the ocean this season with high hopes since the last two years have produced big winners in 2023 and again in 2024.
Luke Shepardson won in 2023.
Landon McNamara won in 2024.
Organizers said a third straight contest would have been historic.
🪨🪨🪨🪨🪨
Conditions never reached the mark
Contest Director Liam McNamara said the winter surf never produced the consistent 40-foot wave faces required to safely run THE EDDIE at Waimea Bay.
“As we reach the end of the waiting period for THE EDDIE, it’s clear that the qualifying swell conditions simply weren’t there this year. Although we had one solid day of big surf, this season was largely lackluster when it came to the large waves we need to run the event,” said McNamara.
“We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who committed their time and support to THE EDDIE this year. Their dedication is what allows us to continue to honor Eddie Aikau’s legacy.”
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Community and surfers remain ready
The season still united the North Shore community, the Aikau ʻohana, and elite big wave surfers through events that honor Eddie Aikau’s legacy.
“The EDDIE events, which include the Opening Ceremony and the EDDIE surf contest, bring together so many remarkable people to celebrate Eddie Aikau and his accomplishments, as well as big wave surfing. We are especially grateful for the North Shore community, as their involvement and support has been a key factor in our success,”
— Eddie Aikau Foundation President Linda Ipsen
“In addition, we are always honored to have the world’s best big wave surfers, who we feel represent the spirit and legacy of Eddie Aikau, ready to compete at a moment’s notice.”
More than 100 staff members, officials, vendors and volunteers stayed on call during the holding period, ready to launch the event with two days notice.
“Since the start of the holding period on December 7, 2025, more than 100 staff, officials, vendors, and volunteers have been on call, ready to put together a world-class event with a two-day notice,”
— Event Director Faith Wenzl
“We are grateful for all the hours that they, as well as our partners at Hawaiian Water Patrol, and the emergency management officials at the City & County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaiʻi, have put into planning THE EDDIE to ensure the safety of the competitors, staff and the public, which is our top priority.”
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Looking ahead
Even without waves large enough to run the contest, the season still celebrated the history, people and traditions that define THE EDDIE.
“Although THE EDDIE didn’t run this year, it was still an incredible season, highlighted by a moving Opening Ceremony that brought together the world’s best big-wave surfers, the Aikau ʻohana, and the North Shore community,”
— James Taylor, Rip Curl Gen Mgr Marketing
“We remain hopeful for the development of El Niño conditions at the end of 2026 to generate large swells that could see The Bay call the Day once again. Rip Curl is honoured to help contribute to the rich history of this iconic event and we look forward to many more years of partnership.”
Click here to learn more about THE EDDIE® Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau:
https://www.theeddieaikau.com/
The contest honors Eddie Aikau, the legendary Hawaiian lifeguard, surfer and hero. When the waves rise again at Waimea Bay, the world will watch.
https://www.khon2.com/local-news/legendary-waimea-contest-pauses-after-two-historic-years/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KHON2_News
