March 19 : Paddle board legend Jaime Mitchell will be sharing his secrets on big board paddling techniques, training and toughness this April at Deerfield Beach and Cocoa Beach in an exclusive all-day program. So whether you're just getting started in stand up paddling or you're ready to challange Jaime in the 12th Annual QuiksilverEdition Molokai to Oahu 32 mile paddle board race this July, this is your chance to learn from the very best. For more info, email barrett.tester@quiksilver.com
February 29: The holding period for the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau was officially today. Unfortunately, the event's 20 foot swell minimum was not met this year. The Big Wave Invitational has only been given the green light 7 times in its 14 year history. This year's waves, however were particuarly weak with double the number of small wave (< 7ft) days and half the number of large to giant wave (8 to 18 ft) days. But there's always next year!
January 14: 25 to 35 foot sets. No question the minimum 20 foot swell had been met. Spectacular massive surf. But due to inconsistentency in the sets and poor wind conditions, the North Shore is closed and the Quiksilver Big Wave Inventational remains on hold until February 29.
One surfer, Garrett Macnamara, did paddle out on a 10'10", four fin board and caught 4 waves. He also saw a saw a sea turtle... perhaps the spirit of Eddie Aikau saying good on him for getting out in the surf when no one else would.
January 13: Quiksilver Big Wave surfers have been put on high alert for swells over the 20 foot minimum required for the paddle-in only event. When swells on this scale break, the wave face height can be over 40 feet! Only time will tell if the waves will be big enough.
The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational is inspired by the memory of Eddie Aikau, a native Hawaiian and Waimea's 1st lifeguard. Aikau was legendary for paddling out in big waves when no one else would. Tragically, Aikau went missing at sea during a voyage to Tahiti aboard the Hokule'a, a polynesian sailing canoe.
