A TRIBUTE TO SURFING’S ULTIMATE LEGACY

The Raw Power and Heroic Spirit of the Eddie - Where Legends Are Born and Waves Are Conquered
Spending three weeks on the North Shore of Oahu in early December felt like stepping back in time. The vibe was more mellow and local with fewer surf celebrities around, quite a contrast to the peak contest season in late January. The mega surf houses fronting Off the Wall, Backdoor and Pipeline sat empty, reflecting the state of the surf industry, inflation and the extravagant costs of these lavish accommodations.

“This was far from my first experience on the North Shore.”

This was far from my first experience on the North Shore. In the early '80s, surfers from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Europe and California would embark on three month pilgrimages to surfing’s Mecca. Without sponsorship contracts or corporate expense accounts, they found ways to stay by any means necessary.

I remember Terry Richardson doing his laundry at Kammies near Sunset, living out of two pairs of shorts and three T-shirts, no endless wardrobe courtesy of sponsors.

“Fifty or sixty telephoto lenses were a common sight at Off the Wall, where the blue water and hollow waves created magic.”

Back then, it wasn’t just surfers. Film-makers and photographers also flocked to document the highest concentration of surfing talent riding the planet's most challenging waves. Fifty or sixty telephoto lenses were a common sight at Off the Wall, where the blue water and hollow waves created magic. In the water, 20-30 photographers risked everything to capture the perfect shot, all competing for magazine covers or spreads in the growing list of surf publications.

TURTLE BAY TACO NIGHTS
To survive on a budget, surfers adapted. Taco nights at Turtle Bay became legendary - buy a beer and for an extra dollar you could feast on unlimited tacos. The fierce competition of surfing extended even to how many tacos one could consume. Today, Turtle Bay is managed by the Ritz and at over $1,000 a night, it caters to a different crowd.

NORTH SHORE
While the North Shore remains the ultimate proving ground, the duration of surfers' stays has drastically shortened. Most professionals now visit for two weeks to fulfil contest or sponsor obligations. The exception? Big wave surfers, who stay true to the roots of the sport. The Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has preserved this essence. It’s more than a contest, it's a celebration of big wave surfing and a tribute to Eddie Aikau, embraced by all of Hawaii.

“The Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has preserved this essence.”

The Eddie is a paddle-only event, making it one of the most difficult and prestigious contests in the world. The athletes are supported by elite water safety teams, many of whom are lifeguards. Their presence instills a sense of invincibility, allowing for even more daring performances.

DOING THE ROADSIDE JOSTLE
Camping out overnight to secure a prime viewing spot has become a bucket-list experience. There are no VIP boxes, just raw passion. Few sports demand such sacrifice. Would a tennis player or golfer risk their life for each point? Unlikely.

“There are no VIP boxes, just raw passion.”

I had just returned to Australia when a massive swell appeared on the Surfline forecast. I flew back to Hawaii based more on instinct. Two days after my arrival, the contest went "Yellow", meaning surfers worldwide had to prepare for a "Green" light meaning the contest would go within 48 hours. The lead-up saw 20-25 ft. swells at Jaws in Maui, where surfers warmed up in spectacular conditions.

FIRST LIGHT
My focus was capturing early morning shore break images, nature's artistry at its finest. Waimea shore break, bathed in the first light of dawn produces some of the most unique ocean imagery in the world. The waves explode against a dark volcanic backdrop, as if nature spotlights these moments as an Art piece.

“…nature's artistry at its finest.”

By 2 AM, thousands had gathered to claim their spots. The swell steadily grew throughout the morning. After capturing the shore break, I moved to a friend's house overlooking the lineup. By afternoon, I watched surfers silhouetted against towering waves.

GREEN LIGHT
The contest began with feats of courage and precision. Surfers made late drops that defied physics, balancing on the lip of 35-foot waves with just inches of board in the water. Some drops ended in wipeouts that seemed impossible to survive.

“…feats of courage and precision.”

Between sunrise and 9 AM the swell period jumped from 14 to 21 seconds, signalling massive power. This swell barely grazed Hawaii, its full force aimed at Mavericks, where tow-in surfing would be the only option some 48 hours later.

Last year’s winner Luke Shepardson along with Billy Kemper, Jamie O’Brien, Jake Maki, Twiggy Baker and Ian Walsh, delivered standout performances.

Surfers Laura Enever, Flick Palmateer and Anne Dos Santos validating their inclusion. Laura's performance ended in injury after a violent shore break, requiring several days in the hospital for a severe thigh laceration.

FAMILY LEGACY
This year’s winner, Landon McNamara, is a local surfer and the son of contest director and former Pipeline legend Liam McNamara. His uncle, Garrett McNamara, is a big-wave legend who famously put Nazaré on the map. The McNamara family’s legacy of extreme watermen runs deep, much like the family they honour, the Aikau' legacy.

“This year’s winner, Landon McNamara.”

Every surfer honoured Eddie Aikau' legacy with bravery and skill. The Eddie isn’t just a contest - it’s the ultimate tribute to surfing.

It has been embraced by not just the surfing fraternity but the whole of the Hawaiian community.

THROUGH MY LENS
From the thunderous roar of 35ft waves to the quiet intensity of dawn breaking over Waimea, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is more than a surf contest - it’s a celebration of the human spirit at its peak. Through my lens, I’ve captured the raw beauty, the unforgettable moments, and the timeless stories that define this iconic event.

ICONIC MOMENTS IN SURF HISTORY
Bring the raw energy of the Eddie into your space. Each photograph is more than an image—it’s a story of courage, passion, and the unbreakable bond between surfers and the sea. Having one of these iconic moments on your wall is like sharing in the legacy of the world's greatest waves and the surfers who dare to conquer them. It’s my way of sharing the magic I’ve witnessed—straight from the ocean to your home.

COMING SOON…

MEGA SLIDE SHOWS
And stay tuned for upcoming Mega Slide Shows - check dates and locations via Insta @tedgrambeau