Waimea Bay, North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.  December 4 2014) Tom Carroll (AUS). - The Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau contest was held this afternoon in the park at Waimea Bay. This winter, the big wave riding event celebrates a special milestone of 30 years. <br /> The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is a one-day big wave riding event that only takes place if and when waves meet a 20-foot minimum height, during the holding period of December 1 through February 28, each Hawaiian winter. The official Opening Ceremony with the Aikau Family will be held on Thursday, December 4th, 3pm, at Waimea Bay.<br />  <br /> &quot;The Eddie&quot; is the original big wave riding event and stands as the measure for every big wave event that exists in the world today. It has become an icon of surfing through its honor, integrity and rarity.<br />  <br /> The event honors Hawaiian hero Eddie Aikau, whose legacy is the respect he held for the ocean; his concern for the safety of all who entered it on his watch; and the way with which he rode Waimea Bay on its most giant and memorable days. <br />  <br /> Adherence to strict wave height standards has ensured its integrity; it is only held on days when waves meet or exceed the Hawaiian 20-foot minimum (wave face heights of approximately 40 feet). This was the threshold at which Eddie enjoyed to ride the Bay. It has been said that what makes The Eddie special is the times it doesn't run, because that is precisely its guarantee of integrity and quality days of giant surf.<br />  <br /> The competition has only been held a total of 8 times: it's inaugural year at Sunset Beach, and then seven more times at its permanent home of Waimea Bay. The Eddie was last held on December 9, 2009, won by California's Greg Long.   Photo: joliphotos.com
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