North Shore NewsIt’s on and after a lot of talk about will it happen or will it not happen after the sponsorship dropped out a while back. But we have to have the Eddie, it’s a remembrance of one of Hawaii’s greatest hero’s. Edward Makuahanai Aikau was born on May 4, 1946. He was the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay and preformed over 500 rescues long before the PWC’s were a tool for lifeguards. Aikau was notorious for settling disputes and for his great aloha spirit. In 1976 he sailed off as a member of the crew of the Hokule’a. The Polynesian Voyaging Society uses traditional ways of navigating and Eddie was keen to be crew. When the double hauled sailing canoe sailed off to make a log journey it capsized in the Molokai Channel. The crew hung on to the overturned vessel while Eddie paddle off to get help. He was never seen again while the rest of the crew was rescued the next day. This is a story our community must know. The event represents the bravado and spirit of one of Hawaii’s most loved heros. This year the event made more history by inviting 4 of the best big wave women surfers to join the guys in their pursuit of that aloha spirit! For more info check their website!
