Florence, John John (1992- )

Luke Shepardson Wins the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational

Waimea Bay in Hawaii finally delivered conditions fit for one of the world’s most elusive surfing events. A local lifeguard beat out the top pro surfers for the trophy.

By Talya Minsberg

Florence, John John (1992- ) Hawaii Oahu (Hawaii) Surfing

When the Big Wave Doesn’t Break, but Your Emotions Do

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, a surfing contest that is as prestigious as it is mythical, was called on for the first time since the event was last held in 2016. Surfers had less than 48 hours to travel to Oahu to compete. Then the forecast changed.

By Talya Minsberg