Last week, I had the privilege to be in the water for the opening ceremony for the Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay. Some of the best big wave surfers of our time from all over the world were there. Some felt that the weather was gloomy due to the rain and dark gray skies, but I thought the weather was perfect for the solemn occasion of a memorial.
Despite the weather, there were several hundred people in attendance, both tourists and locals. Most of the people were talking story around their parked cars and under their tents while waiting for the event to start. The ceremony began with a beautiful Oli and Hawaiian blessing and then the host took over and introduced each of the surfers and alternates invited to the event. Two firsts were on the list of invitees for this year’s event: the first female big wave surfer, Keala Kennelly, and Michael and Mason Ho making up the first ever father/son duo.
Humble as always, John John was called up and gave a short modest speech after his fellow surfers yelled “Speech! Speech!” The land portion was just about pau, so I quickly ran back to my car, switched my camera lens, grabbed my fins, wetsuit top and headed to the rainy ocean. After I entered the water, I took a look around and was in awe. All the professional photographers were there including legendary Brian Bielmann and Zak Noyle. Fortunately, some of my photographer friends including Juanito Schelling, Keoki Saguibo, Jackie Fiero, and Chae Donahue were also in the water. We patiently waited for the surfers to begin their paddle out. First came Micheal Ho and then, Ha’a Aikau leading the paddle out. Ross Clarke-Jones paddled by with a huge smile on his face carrying a ceremonial tea leaf in between his teeth. Brothers John John and Nathan Florence paddled side by side. Zeke Lau stopped for a quick portrait shot from Zak Noyle. Realizing their final destination was going to be all the way past the point, I turned around and swam at a faster pace not wanting to miss anything in the circle. I got there just in time as the surfers began to close the circle by joining hands. Michael Ho started the speeches off and it went around the group with every surfer saying a little something about the honor of being here at The Eddie. And, of course, as soon as they formed their circle, the rain stopped and the clouds began to part. Everyone in the water felt the presence of something spiritual. It was a beautiful moment watching a bunch of world class surfers simply enjoying the mana of the place and moment. After all the speeches, jokes, and range of emotions, each surfer tore off their lei, yelling and cheering while casting the flowers into the air. To top it all off, everyone was blessed by a magnificent Hawaiian sunset. It was such a privilege to be there.
Makua Rothman said it all, “Mahalo ke Akua” which means thank you God. I certainly cannot speak for Mr. Eddie Aikau or his ohana, but I do believe he was looking down with a big smile.
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