“In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the first running of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, Rip Curl is excited to announce its partnership with the iconic big-wave event. Honoring the life and legacy of the great Hawaiian waterman, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational stands as the pinnacle of competitive big-wave surfing in the modern era.
Held at Waimea Bay, surrounded by the timeless Waimea Valley, the area holds tremendous cultural and historic significance for the Hawaiian people. And when it comes to the giant, winter surf and the running of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, as they say, “The Bay calls the day.”
“We are very proud to partner with a brand like Rip Curl. Everyone knows the brand and I know my brother, Eddie, would also be proud,” says Clyde Aikau, brother of Eddie Aikau.
“It is an incredible honour for Rip Curl to be a partner of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational,” said Brooke Farris, CEO Rip Curl. “This event is legendary, as are the big wave surfers who take on the giant waves of Waimea Bay. With our 55-year history of championing surfing events around the world, it is with great respect that we place our name alongside of Eddie Aikau, celebrating an incredible legacy and, supporting an event that means so much to the surfing community.”
“The Eddie Aikau Foundation Board of Directors are honored to welcome Rip Curl as a new sponsor for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational events. We believe that the Rip Curl staff and executives understand the importance of our mission to perpetuate the legacy of Eddie Aikau and Hawaiian culture,” adds Linda Ipsen, President of the Eddie Aikau Foundation.
Established in memory of the late Aikau, a Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard, first run in 1984, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational requires a full day of consistent 25-foot surf to be called on. Because of its commitment to running in only the heaviest Hawaiian conditions, the event has only been run ten times in 40 years. The unique format features an exclusive invite list of 40 surfers who are decided upon by the Aikau family at the start of every winter season in Hawaii. There are an additional 23 alternate surfers also invited.
The last running of the event in 2023 saw North Shore lifeguard Luke Shepardson take the win in legendary fashion. In a full-circle moment, Shepardson had been scheduled to work the lifeguard tower at Waimea the day of the Eddie and took breaks during his shift to go surf his heats.
Eventually he went on to win the contest in front of nearly 50,000 fired up fans on the beach, as well as an online audience of an estimated 3.5 million. Luke had to go back to work after surfing in his final heat. When the awards were announced, Luke was called down from the lifeguard tower to the winners stage and receive his first place.
Other previous winners of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational include 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, two-time World Champion John John Florence, as well as big-wave icons Greg Long and Bruce Irons and the first ever winner of the Eddie, Clyde Aikau.
Born in Kahului, Maui, in 1946, by the time Aikau was a teenager he was working at the Dole cannery on Oahu and quickly asserting himself amongst the North Shore’s iconic lineups. In 1969, he was hired by the City & County of Honolulu as the first lifeguard on the North Shore. No motorized watercraft were used for rescues, only a surfboard and fins. Hundreds of people were rescued while Eddie was a lifeguard and no lives were lost.
The Aikau Family lineage is traced from the 1800’s to the Hawaiian Priest, Kahunanui Hewahewa, who was the manager & caretaker of the entire Waimea Valley and its beautiful beach and surf.
“Before Eddie Aikau was the king of Waimea, he was the king of Sunset,” describes Rip Curl’s Mason Ho, who’s father Michael Ho grew up in the water alongside Aikau.
A lifelong advocate for Hawaii’s culture and people, on March 16,1978, Aikau set out on the Hōkūle‘a, a 60ft traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe, with a crew of fellow Hawaiian sailors. The vessel set sail from Oahu on a 30-day, 2,500-mile voyage that was intended to travel to Tahiti and illustrate how Polynesians were able to traverse the wide, expansive openness of the Pacific Ocean.
As the Hōkūle‘a passed by the island of Molokaʻi, one of the hulls began to leak and the boat capsized. Aikau famously set off on his surfboard to paddle for help. The crew was eventually rescued, but tragi- cally, Aikau was never seen again. Among his exploits in the surf, it’s this selflessness and dedication to his crew Hawaiian members that has helped foster the Aikau legend.
“The Eddie honors the remarkable character and values displayed by Eddie Aikau during his career as a heroic lifeguard, Big Wave surfer and crew member of the Hawaiian voyaging canoe, Hokule’a. Our partnership with Rip Curl, an international organization, will give us the opportunity to share the Aloha Spirit that Eddie Aikau exemplified, with a worldwide audience,” continues Ipsen.
Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational as Rip Curl and the Aikau family are excited to usher this iconic event into a new era.
Europe’s largest wave pool coming to Edinburgh begins recruitment for ‘dream’ roles
Scotland’s first inland surf resort which will open in Edinburgh in September has begun building their team ahead of its launch.
Lost Shore Surf Resort is hiring for a number of unique roles in surfing operations, including surfing instructors and lifeguards who can earn up to £12.74 per hour working at the state-of-the-art wave pool.
The resort will be the home of Europe’s largest wave pool with luxury lodges and premium pods, wellness treatment studio, waterside restaurants and shopping, all making it one of the most hotly anticipated tourism openings anywhere in the world this year.
It is looking to fill over 100 roles, including therapists, food and beverage team members, with other roles in maintenance and landscaping, marketing, security and visitor experience.
Lost Shore Surf Resort will be a Living Wage Employer and although the resort does not open until September, many roles will start well before then for staff training and familiarisation.
Based just ten minutes from Edinburgh Airport, less than half an hour by car to the centre of Edinburgh, and around 45 minutes to Glasgow, Lost Shore is well connected and within easy commute of many.
In total, around 100 roles are currently on offer with a range of work schedules and hours available. People interested in working at Lost Shore Surf Resort can visit https://www.lostshore.com/careers for more information.
Andy Roger, new Chief Executive of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “Lost Shore Surf Resort is going to make a huge splash when we open in September. Being a Living Wage Employer we are committed to building a fantastic team to help us deliver our vision for Lost Shore Surf Resort. The opening of any new business is an exciting moment. The build up to the first day is part of that journey with the new team learning about the resort and becoming well placed to deliver for our visitors from the day we open.
“We have a number of dream roles for those who love surfing, but you don’t have to surf to work for us. We have lots of different roles available and we are looking for passionate and motivated individuals who will be excited to be part of one of the most unique openings anywhere in the world this year and thrive in a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think that is you then please get in touch.”
Full list of roles available:
Head Coach
Head Lifeguard
Surf Instructor
Lifeguard
Surf Desk Team Member
Visitor Experience Team Leader
Visitor Experience Team Member (front & back of house)
F&B Team Leader
F&B Team Member
Kitchen Porter
F&B Team Member (events)
Duty Manager
Night Security Team Member
Retail Team Leader
Retail Team Member
Maintenance Technician
Landscaping Team Member
Housekeeping Team Leader
Housekeeping Team Member
Senior Therapist
Therapist
Marketing Executive
John John Florence Finishes Runner-Up and Moves to No. 1 on World Rankings
Medina Puts on Teahupo’o Clinic, Earns Equal Best Result of 2024 Season
Kelly Slater Scores Near-Perfect Ride (Was a ten really! – Ed) Bows Out in Quarterfinals
It was an incredible day of competition in Tahiti with some of the biggest performances of the year coming from the world’s best, posting 27 excellent rides in only 15 heats.
Teahupo’o displayed its true power and beauty during this memorable event with the world’s best surfers. These competitors have put the world on notice ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 when competitive surfing will return to this location in late July.
Italo Ferreira Claims Victory at ‘The End of The Road,’ Overcomes John John Florence in Final
Coming into the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro, Italo Ferreira (BRA) had only made Finals Day once in 2024 and was sitting at 16th on the rankings. The 2019 World Champion was in desperate need of a big result if he was to be any chance of booking a spot in this year’s Lexus WSL Finals. He started the day with huge wins in his Round of 16 and Quarterfinal heats and built unstoppable momentum on his way to his first Final in Tahiti. The win today propelled Ferreira 11 spots up the rankings into the 5th spot with three events remaining on the schedule before the one-day, winner-take-all Championship event.
“I have really been waiting for this moment,” Ferreira said. “I have won in different types of waves, not barrels, and that is what I’ve been looking for. I missed this event last year and I have finally got my win here. I’m really really stoked. I want to thank God, and my family and friends. That’s it, job done. Now it’s time to prepare for El Salvador, which is next.”
In the Final, Ferreira came up against the momentum surfer of the men’s Finals Day, John John Florence (HAW) in a classic goofy, versus natural-footer matchup in perfect pits at Teahupo’o. Ferreira got started early, posting back-to-back excellent scores to earn a heat total of 17.70 (out of a possible 20) in the first 12 minutes. Florence struggled to counter early, taking a solid wipeout on his first wave and needing time to recover and get himself out of a combination situation. Eventually, Florence found a super critical late drop and tube make to post a 9.33 (out of a possible 10) but as time wound down, he was unable to find a backup, leaving the 2019 World Champion Ferreira to claim his first win since the Surf Ranch Pro in 2023.
“That was a really special heat against John [Florence], I’m so inspired by him,” continued Ferreira. “That was a great heat. We started early today and it was a long day, and I’m so happy to make the Final and win this comp. I always knew it was a possibility for me and it was no my moment and I’m really happy for that.”
John John Florence Finishes Runner-Up and Moves to No. 1 on World Rankings
Florence may have fallen short in the Final, but he was one of the standout performers of the event and Finals Day in particular, posting the third-highest heat total of the event in his Quarterfinal and fourth-highest in his Semifinal (18.33 and 18.00). Always a standout in heavy barrelling waves, it was Florences’ seventh Finals Day from ten events at Teahupo’o and his second runner-up finish. Although he fell short of claiming his maiden win in Tahiti, Florence will leave Tahiti in the yellow Leader’s jersey as the World No. 1 ahead of the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona.
“Surfing today and getting to surf four heats today was great, and the waves were so fun,” Florence said. “It was pumping out there and so beautiful. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world so be out there and surf it with no one out and get big barrels and get worked and do the whole thing is amazing. Thank you to the Teahupo’o community, you are awesome. All the support we get in the channel and for having us every year, this is one of my favorite places in the world, thank you.”
Medina Puts on Teahupo’o Clinic, Earns Equal Best Result of 2024 Season
On his way to the Final, Florence overcame event standout and two-time Tahiti winner Gabriel Medina (BRA), who looks to have found his competitive spark after a slower-than-usual start to the season for the three-time World Champion. Medina started his day with a near-perfect heat total to oust Jake Marshall (USA) in the Round of 16.
Medina posted a Perfect 10-point ride, then backed it up immediately with a 9.83 (out of a possible 10) for two super deep, thick barrel rides. It was Medina’s 17th Perfect 10 of his CT career and his first since 2017 (also at Teahupo’o). His 19.83 two-wave heat total was the highest of the entire event and the equal highest of his career. His Perfect 10 was only the third of the men’s 2024 CT season.
Medina then advanced to the Quarterfinals, where he beat an in-form Ryan Callinan (AUS) with a two-wave total of 18.96, the second-highest of the event. However, he eventually lost to event runner-up Florence in the Semifinals. Medina ended the event with seven excellent scores, all earned today.
Kelly Slater Earns Best Result Since 2022 with Impressive Quarterfinal Finish
11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) came into the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro as an event wildcard and took total advantage, earning his best result since 2022 (3rd place at the Tahiti Pro). The five-time Tahiti Pro event winner showed his form as Teahupo’o turned on and reminded us of the Slater magic, particularly in his Round of 16 matchup with Ethan Ewing (AUS). Ewing had an impressive start, earning a two-wave total of 14.17 (out of a possible 20), leaving Slater needing two solid scores. Eventually, a bomb set rolled in, and the 52-year-old dropped in late, pulled up high, flew over the foamball and into the channel to earn a near-perfect 9.73 (out of a possible 10) and get himself back in the heat. Then, needing a low mid-range score with seconds left, Slater found a small set and rode the tube for as long as possible to come out and take the win.
It was a solid event for Ewing, who is returning to Teahupo’o to compete for the first time since breaking his back at this wave less than 12 months ago. Ewing will take confidence out of his performance ahead of his return to this location in July for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Slater then went on to dominate the majority of his Quarterfinal matchup with Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR), holding an excellent heat total of 16.66 and looking destined for the Final until Boukhiam found a critical, deep tube ride on a bomb to earn a near-perfect 9.80 and knock the GOAT out of the event.
It was a big day for Boukhiam, who earlier defeated Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) in the Round of 16. Igarashi struggled to find a rhythm with the wave. The Morrocan eventually went down to eventual event winner Ferreira in the Semifinals.
SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Final Results:
1 – Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.70
2 – John John Florence (HAW) 17.16
SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.27 DEF. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 8.50
HEAT 2: John John Florence (HAW) 18.00 DEF. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.00
SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 17.13 DEF. Kelly Slater (USA) 16.66
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.83 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 15.87
HEAT 3: John John Florence (HAW) 18.33 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 13.97
HEAT 4: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 18.96 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 15.94
SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Kelly Slater (USA) 14.46 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.17
HEAT 2: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 13.67 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 0.93
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.50 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 8.17
HEAT 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.60 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 15.77
HEAT 5: John John Florence (HAW) 15.77 DEF. Mihimana Braye (PYF) 15.63
HEAT 6: Rio Waida (INA) 9.33 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 9.00
HEAT 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 19.83 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 15.23
HEAT 8: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 16.80 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 8.74
Wildcard Vahine Fierro Wins with Groundbreaking Performances at Teahupo’o Today
Brisa Hennessy Jumps to World No. 1 After Runner-up Finish
Tatiana Weston-Webb Scores Perfect 10, Dedicates Ride to Her Filmer Greg Browning
Big Upsets in Men’s Elimination Round, World No. 1 Colapinto Falls to Wildcard Braye
Vahine Fierro (FRA) won the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro Presented by Outerknown, Stop No. 6 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT), in huge six-to-ten-foot conditions at the world-renowned Teahupo’o, Tahiti. In a unique season where the location of this WSL Championship Tour competition will be the same as the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Teahupo’o hosted incredible conditions for the women’s Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final today. The women continued to push the boundaries of what we’ve seen in competitive surfing in the massive and heavy waves, further evidencing what the world’s best surfers are capable of in waves of consequence.
Wildcard Vahine Fierro Wins with Groundbreaking Performances at Teahupo’o Today
Vahine Fierro (FRA) became the first Tahitian local to win the Tahiti Pro as a wildcard. Not only was Fierro’s win impressive from her performances throughout the day, but she also faced incredibly tough competition on a day that saw the bar raised by a number of women. Hailing from the outer island Huahine, Fierro and her family relocated to Teahupo’o as she and her sisters began to focus on their competitive surfing careers. Fierro’s time and experience at Teahupo’o shows, with the 24-year-old putting on some of the most incredible performances at the wave and showing what is possible for women in the world’s heaviest waves. In her third wildcard appearance at her home break, the former WSL World Junior Champion claimed the biggest win of her career on a proud day for Tahiti and France.
“I mean, I knew and believed that at some point I would win this event,” Fierro said. “My body is sore everywhere I gave it my all. I wiped out so many times and broke my board. It was like madness. I was calm. It’s insane. I just want to thank everybody because all their energy is what motivates me, what inspires me. I wanted to thank Jeremy Flores for coaching me through all of this. He was telling me, ‘It’s the semi now. You just need to go. There’s no pulling back, and there’s no holding back. You just gotta go.’ Jessi [Miley-Dyer] made the amazing call to throw us out there today, and that’s what women need. Thank you to Jessi for trusting the women because we were more than capable out there. Thank you, Teahupo’o, so special and thank you for sending me the best waves of my life in that heat.”
In the Final, Fierro faced Brisa Hennessy (CRC), who has been a standout at Teahupo’o for several years now. Both surfers got the Final started early, with each earning mid-range scores and Fierro holding a narrow lead. Eventually, Fierro found a solid, thick tube and pulled in deep, flying out with the spit to earn an 8.50 (out of a possible 10) and put Hennessy into a combination situation (needing two scores). Hennessy eventually found a set of her own to post another good score and give herself a shot at the lead. Eventually, the clock was the enemy of the Costa Rican representative as the time wound down before another set came, leaving Fierro to claim a historical win. Both Hennessy and Fierro will take plenty of confidence out of their performances today as they will both return to Teahupo’o for the Olympics this July.
“I also want to thank my parents; Kauli [Vaast], my sparring partner, he pushes me so much, you know, he’s the best out there, so I wanted to thank him too, and my boyfriend for spending hours on the jetski filming and just everybody,” continued Fierro. “Thank you. I wanted to congratulate Brisa [Hennessy] because she has the sickest backside style. No rail grab all event long. She was showing that style, and having a final with her was exactly what I wanted. It was a rematch from our Semifinal [in 2022]. I was stoked, and just being against the best in the world and learning from their experiences and their competitive skills just pushes everybody. We [the women] just need the conditions, and we’re gonna show up, we’re going to throw ourselves over the ledge, and try and try and try over again. So I’m just so stoked right now.”
Although the day belonged to Fierro, her opponents Brisa Hennessy (CRC) and Tatiana-Weston-Webb (BRA) posted stunning highlights throughout the day, earning solid scores and completing ground-breaking tube rides.
Brisa Hennessy Jumps to World No. 1 After Runner-up Finish
With her runner-up finish today, Hennessy jumps up to World No. 1 on the CT rankings. The 24-year-old did not have an easy path to the Final, as she took down Caroline Marks (USA), the defending event winner and reigning World Champion, in the Semifinals, and Carissa Moore (HAW), the five-time World Champion, in the Quarterfinals. In all of her heats today, Hennessy charged the Teahupo’o Bowl, taking off deep, setting her line, and pulling in with no hands before grabbing her rail and charging through some of the thickest tubes seen all day, a technique used by some of the most stylish barrel-riders on the planet.
“It’s just been an honor to come up against Vahine,” Hennessy said. “I mean, she is the queen out here in every respect, and I respect her so much. I have so much more to learn out there. I’m still absolutely terrified, but I’m excited about this new journey. I think it’s incredible to see how the new opportunities and leveling up that the women are doing, it gives me goosebumps, so I’m really honored to be a part of it.”
Hennessy has been extremely successful this season with consistent third-place results all year, except for a ruptured eardrum injury in Portugal that forced her to withdraw early. Her accomplishments this season are profound, considering the recovery and challenge she faced last year following her diagnoses of hypothyroidism, depression, EBV, and a pituitary gland adenoma. Hennessy has shown strength and resilience through her recovery while also being vulnerable and open about her journey. With her current standing on the World Rankings, Hennessy improves her World Title hopes with a step closer to locking in a spot in the WSL Final 5.
“I was talking about it with my mom the other day, and it’s like, you’re like on the edge of so much anxiety, but just on the other side of that edge lies the wave of your life and endless possibility and opportunity,” continued Hennessy. “And I think that’s what it feels like. Pressure is a privilege. I want to feel that, but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. Seriously, I honestly didn’t even know if I was going to compete again. It was quite a bit of a roller coaster for me in 2023, you know, falling off the Tour, dealing with my health issues mentally and not being my strongest, and I don’t know, that definitely feels very sunshiney and warm.”
Hennessy will wear the yellow leader jersey going into stop No.7 of the WSL CT, the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, which holds a competition window from June 6 to 15, 2024.
Tatiana Weston-Webb Makes History with Women’s First Perfect 10 at Teahupo’o, Dedicates Ride to Her Filmer and Longtime Friend Greg Browning
Despite losing to eventual event winner Fierro, Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) made history today with the first Perfect 10 ever from a woman at the Tahiti Pro. Weston-Webb dug deep to paddle over the ledge and into a huge set wave, making it to the bottom and almost catching her rail in the critical part of the wave only to recover and put herself deep in the barrel, behind the heavy Teahupo’o curtain. Weston-Webb then navigated the foam ball and the spit to fly out of the barrel for the Perfect score. Weston-Webb’s amazing surfing continues to push surfing’s progression even more in today’s pumping conditions.
“That was just a gift from God,” said Weston-Webb. “It’s really scary out there, but I just was so grateful to have the opportunity. Like, how often do we get these conditions? Especially for females? I feel like the women’s sport is evolving so much, especially in surfing and the WSL is giving us that platform. And I just feel really grateful for that. And obviously, we have the Olympics coming up, and it’s a really big goal of mine to do pretty well there. Vahine is amazing out here, and she inspires me. and I knew that she was going to get 8’s minimum. So, I knew I needed to do something cool. And, yeah, I guess I did.”
In an emotional interview following her heat, Weston-Webb dedicated the wave to her filmer and longtime friend Greg Browning, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) last year.
“I want to give a quick shout-out to a very special someone, Greg Browning,” Weston-Webb said. “He is the best person in the world. And yeah, all my love is with you, Greg. I just want to say one more time, ‘Thank you to all the viewers. Thank you for all the positive comments towards women’s surfing. I can’t really thank you guys enough for also allowing us to do what we love to do.”
Before the Semifinal heat, Weston-Webb eliminated two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) in Quarterfinal 4 with a 14.83 two-wave total (out of a possible 20) to Wright’s 13.76. Although Wright finished in equal 5th position, she dropped one spot to 9th on the rankings.
Nathan Florence, NZ, stunning and rugged landscapes, and very unruly heavy waters. The sense of adventure and stoke of scoring some epic waves with a few friends out is second to none. Mr Florence we salute you and your crew for your continued exploration outside of the Hawaiian Islands, long may you slide.
Smooth, classic style reminiscent of a surfing era long gone, Tosh Tudor blends traditional longboarding techniques with a modern twist and style, all this at just 19 years of age. I know, we’re not jealous at all!
Given his families history, it’s not surprising that Tosh has developed into one of he most exciting sliders on the planet. Dig in with Tosh and crew as they embark on a hedonistic search for some of the sickest tubes on the planet.
