Yesterday, during the finals of the Vans Pipe Masters, competitors of the prestigious Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Invitational received a IG DM informing them the event was on ‘yellow alert’ for this Sunday 22 December (HST).
On Nathan Florence’s pirate broadcast, hosted by the Florence clan along with Eli Olson and Koa Rothman, the 2024 World Champion, John Florence, described the chart readings as “promising.” For someone who rarely veers from his cool, understated demeanor, this was an unusually optimistic and exciting take.
So yes, we’ve been holding our breath.
Since the Eddie Aikau Invitational’s inception in 1985, the event has run only 10 times, and been won by 10 different surfers.
Previous winners include the likes of Denton Miyamura, Clyde Aikau, Keone Downing, Noah Johnson, Ross Clarke-Jones, Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons, Greg Long and John John Florence.
“All active past winners were invited,” Eddie Aikau Contest Director Liam McNamara told Stab, “that includes Greg Long, who announced it will be his last Eddie, Kelly Slater, and Bruce Irons, who’s been reactivating himself.”
