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hellwoman
03-02-2007, 08:56 PM
The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r63/k38rescue/quikinvitational.jpg

ASP Specialty Event
Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu
1 Dec. 2006 to 28 Feb. 2007


www.quiksilver.com/bigwave .

QUIKSILVER BIG WAVE INVITATIONAL, IN MEMORY OF EDDIE AIKAU CLOSES ITS HOLDING PERIOD

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 February, 2007 : - - Huntington Beach, CA --- Quiksilver, a division of Quiksilver Inc. (NYSE: ZQK) and the world’s boardriding industry leader, today announced the official closing of the 2006-2007 “Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau”. In the 22-year history of the event, it has only been held a total of seven times, due to stringent wave height requirements that keep the emphasis of the event true to the spirit of big-wave rider Aikau.

The holding period for the 22nd Anniversary event on Oahu’s famous North Shore began December 1, 2006 and ends today, the final possible day for competition. The last time it was held was in December of 2004, when Hawaii's Bruce Irons was the victor. The event will return in December of 2007.

Honoring revered big wave surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau, the Quiksilver Big Wave In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational can only be held when the surf measures at least 20 feet (Hawaiian scale) for a full day of competition. The event came close to meeting the height requirements on several occasions this winter, however adverse wind and storm conditions ruled each opportunity out.



The unpredictable nature of the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau, as well as the respect paid to Aikau’s memory, makes it one of the most exciting and anticipated events in professional surfing. With a highly celebrated and hugely attended opening ceremony each year, Aikau is honored and the event is recognized globally, regardless of whether the ocean delivers huge waves. Over the years, the elusive nature of giant swells has only added to the anticipation of this event.

Surfing legend Eddie Aikau was the North Shore’s first full-time lifeguard, and earned the permanent guard chair at Waimea with a sterling reputation for his life-saving work. He was also a dedicated soul for Hawaii's indigenous people and the perpetuation of their culture. In 1978, during an historic voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti, the voyaging canoe he was on capsized, leaving him and nine other crew members stranded 12 miles east of Lanai. Aikau swam off in a heroic attempt to find assistance but, tragically, was never heard from again, despite the most intensive air-sea search in Hawaiian maritime history.


About Eddie Aikau
Born May 4, 1946, Edward Ryon Aikau was the third of six children to a Hawaiian family. His life became one rooted deep within the ocean - a pioneering lifeguard, passionate big-wave rider, all around waterman and Hawaiian traditionalist. He was lost at sea during an epic voyage in 1978 when the double-hull voyaging canoe Hokule'a capsized in storm seas in the Molokai Channel, en-route to Tahiti. Aikau paddled away in a rescue attempt March 17, 1978. He was never seen again. His life is now legend.

About Quiksilver
Quiksilver, trailblazing guide to boardriding* culture, is committed to providing tools for uncovering, expressing and expanding your personal style. Our mission is to foster the sense of individual expression and excitement - the stoke that is the essence of boardriding. We're also here to spread the word because the only thing better than finding stoke is sharing it.

* Boardriding is about timing and style. It’s youthful, active, casual, and fhttp://www.surfersvillage.com/surfing/26482/news.htmree flowing. There is no wrong way to ride a board. The goal is simply to learn, progress, improve, and give it your own interpretation.