Eddie Would Go

[TripletDaddy]

On the heels of today's heats at Mavericks, even better news from The North Shore.

The island is on high alert. If the swell is big enough tomorrow, Quicksilver will hold the Eddie Aikau big wave invitational.

For those who do not know the story, Eddie Aikau is surfing's greatest hero and legend (even more than Duke). He was known for his mastery of the big wave, but died literally while trying to save the lives of others. He was on a boat that sprung a leak, capsized, and drifted off course. Using his longboard as a flotation device, Eddie volunteered to try to paddle to the nearest island to get help--about 10-15 miles away. He was never seen again. He was presumed to have drowned. Luckily, everyone else was rescued.

The legend of his bravery has spawned the famous surfing phrase "Eddie Would Go." This phrase has now been co-opted to refer to large waves, indicating that Eddie would surf such waves. However, the phrase truly refers to having courage, as opposed to simply seeking out big surf. It was "No Fear" before "No Fear." You can actually buy Quiksilver "Eddie Would Go" tshirts, but they are only sold in winter. I was lucky enough to score one 2 winters ago. One of my favorite t shirts.

Anyway, the contest is only run when the waves reach 40 feet from back to front and they have to break that big for a period of time before contestants paddle out to the lineup. The Eddie does not allow tow-ins. Basically, it is probably the most insane sporting event...even more than those guys who roll rotten cheese down the hill in England.

The last Eddie was in 2004.

It is time.

http://www.quiksilver.com/frames/bigwave0708.aspx