Grant Baker flares into a not-so-perfect landing pad.
When one thinks of big wave contests, the Eddie is the first one that comes to mind. It is, by far, the most storied event in the world. Waimea Bay itself is one of surfing’s most legendary places. When the waves get big there, it is one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth.
While legends are made there, legends aren’t made without their share of punishment. No one ever said becoming a legend was easy–and these are five clips from yesterday at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational that prove it.
1. Shane Dorian wears Waimea like a giant, wet hat
Shane Dorian is bald, and that’s ok. While most men with a thinning hairline wear a regular hat, Dorian wears much bigger, wetter one.
2. Kelly Slater wins this round, Twig
Twig is a better big wave surfer than Kelly Slater. Kelly Slater is still really good at it, though. Sometimes, things just don’t go your way… and they certainly didn’t for Twig.
3. Clyde Aikau is 66-years-old. How awesome is that?
My step-dad is about Clyde’s age. A few years older, but I’m pretty sure he wasn’t doing this a few years ago. Clyde would go!
4. Rumor has it that Grant Baker’s next mission is to Niagara Falls
Grant Baker thinks that people who use barrels to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel are weak and scared.
5. This is actually Nathan Fletcher.
Nathan Fletcher. Nathan Fletcher. Nathan Fletcher. Everything else the commentators say is correct. “INTO OBLIVION!”
6. Bonus! Jetski mayhem! Are you not entertained?!
Be honest, you were hoping at least one of those skis would get wrecked. Is this not why you are here?
