Of all the Hawaiian waves, Waimea Bay might be the most storied. It exists in the here and now but also occupies the realm of legend. It’s the original big wave, the place that made Eddie Aikau an icon. An invite to the event in his name is the highest of accolades. Compared to other big waves that are being surfed these days, like say Jaws or Teahupoo or Nazare, Waimea might look slightly tame, but its legend remains. And when it gets big enough on the North Shore for Waimea to work, you better believe the best of the best are going to be there. Here’s what the Bay looked like on the morning of January 16.
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