The Eddie Aikau 2024 Big Wave Invitational was a spectacle to remember, as Waimea Bay came alive with towering waves, fearless surfers, and an electric crowd. The event, only the 11th in its 40-year history, showcased why it’s one of surfing’s most prestigious competitions. In the end, it was local talent Landon McNamara who emerged victorious, solidifying his name in big wave history.
A Historic Day At Waimea Bay During Eddie Aikau 2024
Competing in the penultimate heat, McNamara and Mason Ho delivered standout performances. McNamara’s defining moment came when he dropped into a massive, wedging peak. Despite a near-vertical takeoff that had spectators holding their breath, he stuck the ride flawlessly, earning a perfect 50-point score. That wave, described by commentator Dave Wassel as “the entire ocean landing on his shoulders,” secured McNamara a narrow victory over Ho, 135.8 to 120.9.
The day wasn’t without its challenges during the Eddie Aikau 2024. Waimea legend Mark Healey bowed out early due to injury, and competitors faced relentless backwash and massive closeout sets. Still, the lineup was filled with remarkable performances. Luke Shepardson, last year’s champion, picked up where he left off, while Billy Kemper, Jamie O’Brien, and Nathan Florence dominated their heats with precision and courage.
For McNamara, the win was deeply personal. “To win this event back-to-back with my best friend Luke, I don’t know what to feel right now,” he said. Expressing gratitude to the Aikau family and his mentors, he added, “They say Eddie picks the winner, and I’m so grateful he picked me.”
From the thousands of fans at Waimea Bay to the global audience tuned into the livestream, Eddie Aikau 2024 was a celebration of surfing’s spirit and resilience. As stories from the event continue to circulate, one thing is certain: the legacy of Eddie Aikau, and the surfers who honor it, remains as powerful as ever.
