Eddie would go. It’s the famous Eddie Aikau Invitational slogan, as well as a tribute to the fearless spirit of its namesake. However, only a select few surfers actually do get to go, and now we get to find out the guest list.
The big wave contest, better known as “The Eddie,” has a place of honor in the world of surfing. That’s because, true to form, it only runs if wave face heights at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu consistently reach 40-feet within a 90-day waiting period during Hawaii’s winter. As a result, the event has only run 10 times since it began in 1984.
On Thursday, the Rip Curl-sponsored event announced its roster of 32 invitees, along with 25 alternates. Of course, past winners Landon McNamara, Luke Shepardson, John John Florence and Bruce Irons made the cut. The rest of the list reads like a who’s who of big wave surfing, including Kai Lenny, Twiggy Baker, Jamie O’Brien, Mark Healey, Mason Ho and Annie Reickert
The official waiting period will run from December 6, 2026 to March 4, 2027, with the Opening Ceremony to take place on December 3 at Waimea Bay.
Here’s the full list:
