Hawaii’s Landon McNamara captured the iconic Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on Sunday at Waimea Bay, solidifying his spot among big wave legends after posting the highest score of the competition: 135.8 points. This remarkable achievement included the Best Wave Award for scoring a perfect ride of 15, and it was the 11th time this prestigious event—known as "The Eddie"—has been held since its inception 40 years ago.
With waves exceeding 50 feet, Waimea Bay attracted over 25,000 spectators who witnessed the pinnacle of big wave surfing, where the phrase "The Bay Called the Day" rang true for competitors brave enough to tackle the monstrous swells. McNamara's performance showcased not only his skill but also his deep connection to the event; he expressed immense gratitude, saying, "This is a childhood dream of mine, something I’ve been working at since being a little kid on the beach here, watching these events go down. I don’t know what to feel right now. I’ve already cried 10 times."
The emotional weight of the event was underscored by McNamara's familial connections. His father, Liam McNamara, serves as the contest director, adding layers of significance to his victory. Reflecting on this, Landon stated, "I’m grateful to Eddie. Both my heats, I had a turtle I was following. For real... They say Eddie picks the winner, and I’m so grateful he picked me.”
The final leaderboard revealed McNamara's dominance, with Mason Ho finishing second at 120.9 points, followed by Billy Kemper (119.9), Jamie O’Brien, Nic Lamb, and others trailing behind. The competition not only highlighted individual skills but also reinforced the camaraderie and spirit of the surfing community.
Speaking on his second-place finish, Mason Ho noted the electric atmosphere, saying, "The conditions are amazing. There’s a strong offshore breeze right now,” as he prepared before the contest began. The surfers’ performances captivated the audience amid extraordinary conditions highlighted by towering waves and fierce competition.
The event saw some thrilling moments, with competitors pushing boundaries and pulling off breathtaking maneuvers which have since become the talk of the surfing world. McNamara’s winning wave was particularly notable, described vividly by fellow competitors who watched as he took off inverted, just managing to stick the landing beneath the wave's heaving lip. Dave Wassel, reflecting on McNamara’s execution, marveled, "The entire ocean landed on his shoulders and he still came out successful.”
Despite the fierce surf, the 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational celebrated Aikau's legacy and contributions to the sport, providing both competition and community spirit. It demonstrated the rich history of the event, as only the best are invited to compete.
Previous winners echo the historical importance of The Eddie, spanning figures such as Bruce Irons, Kelly Slater, and John John Florence. This year’s event saw fierce competition, as top-tier surfers like Luke Shepardson, Nathan Florence, and Kai Lenny took to the role of challengers.
Reflecting on the strength of the competitors, this year’s Aloha Spirit Award was presented to the veteran competitor Greg Long, who remarked, "Participate in this event has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life.” His sentiment encapsulated the shared respect between competitors.
The challenging conditions did not deter competitors; with McNamara's standout performance, the day became one to celebrate both individual success and shared passion for the sport. The waves may have been intimidating, but for those at Waimea Bay, it was truly about honoring Eddie Aikau’s legacy and showcasing the spirit of surfing.
The thrill of riding such gigantic waves and pushing through personal and physical limits was palpable. The guests present—and those tuning in via live streams—found themselves part of something special, marked by adrenaline, bravery, and, most significantly, the golden thread of Aikau's memory weaving them all together. McNamara's win symbolized not just personal achievement but also the heart of the surfing community, as every rider honored Aikau's life and dedication to the sea and lifeguarding.
Undoubtedly, the memories of this year’s Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational will resonate within the surf community for years to come, reflecting both the spirit of competition and the beauty of camaraderie. McNamara's victory was historic, marking him as the first goofy-footer to win the prestigious competition, setting the stage for future generations of surfers who will undoubtedly find inspiration from this momentous day.
