Hawaii’s Top Surfing Competitions: A Deep Dive into the Eddie, Pipe Masters, and Jaws

Hawaii, the birthplace of modern surfing, is home to some of the most prestigious and awe-inspiring surfing competitions in the world. Known for its massive waves, legendary surf spots, and deep cultural connection to the ocean, the islands have become a mecca for surfers seeking to test their skills against the forces of nature. Among the pantheon of surfing events, three stand out as iconic: The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, the Billabong Pipe Masters, and the Jaws Big Wave Championships. These events are not just competitions; they are celebrations of surfing culture, tributes to the legends of the sport, and showcases of human endurance and skill.

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, often simply referred to as “The Eddie,” is one of the most prestigious events in the world of surfing. Held at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore, the competition honors the legacy of Eddie Aikau, a legendary Hawaiian lifeguard and big-wave surfer known for his courage and dedication to saving lives.

A Brief History

The inaugural Eddie Aikau Invitational was held in 1984, a few years after Eddie’s tragic death during a voyage of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule’a. Eddie’s story is one of bravery and selflessness; he set out on a surfboard to seek help for his crewmates after their canoe capsized in the Pacific. His body was never recovered, but his legacy endures through this event.

The Format and Criteria

The Eddie is unique because it only runs when wave heights consistently reach a minimum of 20 feet Hawaiian scale (equivalent to 40-foot wave faces). This rare requirement has meant that the event has only been held a handful of times since its inception. Surfers are invited based on their reputation, skill, and respect for the ocean—making the lineup a veritable who’s who of big-wave surfing.

When the conditions align, the Eddie transforms Waimea Bay into a theater of high drama. Surfers face towering waves, powerful currents, and the ever-present risk of wipeouts. The judging criteria emphasize the difficulty of the waves ridden, commitment, and style—qualities that embody Eddie’s approach to surfing.

Notable Moments

Over the years, the Eddie has produced some unforgettable moments. In 2009, Greg Long won in epic conditions that saw some of the biggest waves ever surfed at Waimea Bay. The 2016 event, which John John Florence won, featured waves so massive that they drew global attention, reaffirming The Eddie’s status as a legendary big-wave competition.

The Billabong Pipe Masters

If The Eddie represents the pinnacle of big-wave surfing, the Billabong Pipe Masters epitomizes technical mastery and high-performance surfing. Held at the Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore, this competition is the crown jewel of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour and a proving ground for the world’s best surfers.

The Challenge of Pipeline

Pipeline, or “Pipe,” is arguably the most famous surf break in the world. Known for its powerful, hollow waves that break over a razor-sharp coral reef, Pipeline demands precision, skill, and a fearless approach. Surfers must navigate steep drops, threading their way through barreling waves while avoiding the shallow reef below.

A Legacy of Champions

The Pipe Masters was first held in 1971 and has since become synonymous with surfing excellence. Over the decades, it has crowned champions who have gone on to become legends of the sport, including Gerry Lopez, Kelly Slater, and Andy Irons.

The Road to the Title

As the final event of the WSL Championship Tour, the Pipe Masters often plays a decisive role in determining the world champion. The stakes are incredibly high, with competitors battling not only for the prestigious Pipe Masters trophy but also for a place in surfing history.

Iconic Performances

Pipeline has been the stage for countless iconic performances. In 2001, Kelly Slater and Andy Irons faced off in a rivalry that captivated the surfing world. In 2019, Italo Ferreira clinched his first world title in a dramatic showdown against Gabriel Medina, showcasing the electrifying potential of modern competitive surfing.

The Pipeline Masters is not just a test of individual skill; it’s a celebration of surfing culture and the spirit of competition. The event’s deep roots in Hawaiian tradition and its role in shaping the future of the sport make it a cornerstone of professional surfing.

The Jaws Big Wave Championships

On the island of Maui, a different kind of surfing spectacle unfolds at Peahi, better known as Jaws. The Jaws Big Wave Championships is a showcase of raw power and fearless athleticism, held in conditions that push surfers to their physical and mental limits.

The Birth of Jaws

Jaws earned its name in the 1970s due to the unpredictable and ferocious nature of its waves, which can reach heights of over 60 feet. It wasn’t until the 1990s, with the advent of tow-in surfing, that Jaws became a focal point for big-wave surfers. Today, advancements in equipment and technique allow surfers to paddle into these colossal waves, bringing a new level of purity and challenge to the sport.

The Competition

The Jaws Big Wave Championships is part of the WSL Big Wave Tour, attracting the best big-wave surfers from around the globe. The competition format emphasizes the surfer’s ability to commit to and execute on waves of extreme size and power. Judges reward factors such as wave height, critical positioning, and control under pressure.

The Risk and Reward

Surfing Jaws is not for the faint of heart. The waves break with immense force, creating dangerous conditions that require precise timing and unparalleled skill. Surfers must also contend with the psychological challenge of facing waves that can dwarf buildings.

Memorable Highlights

Jaws has been the stage for some of the most jaw-dropping moments in surfing history. In 2016, Billy Kemper’s victory at the Jaws Big Wave Championships solidified his reputation as one of the best big-wave surfers in the world. Women’s surfing has also seen groundbreaking achievements at Jaws, with surfers like Keala Kennelly and Paige Alms leading the charge and inspiring a new generation of female big-wave riders.

The Cultural Significance of Hawaiian Surfing Competitions

While these competitions highlight incredible athletic feats, they also hold deep cultural significance. Surfing, or he’e nalu, has been a central part of Hawaiian culture for centuries. It’s a way of life, a spiritual practice, and a connection to the natural world. Competitions like The Eddie, Pipe Masters, and Jaws honor this heritage, blending ancient traditions with modern athleticism.

In addition to celebrating Hawaiian culture, these events bring global attention to the islands’ unique environment and the need for its preservation. They remind us of the ocean’s power and beauty, inspiring efforts to protect marine ecosystems and combat climate change.

Conclusion

Hawaii’s top surfing competitions—The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, the Billabong Pipe Masters, and the Jaws Big Wave Championships—are more than just sporting events. They are tributes to the spirit of surfing, the courage of those who ride the waves, and the cultural heritage of Hawaii. Each competition offers a unique challenge, drawing the world’s best surfers to test their limits and create unforgettable moments. Whether it’s the towering waves of Waimea Bay, the hollow barrels of Pipeline, or the colossal walls of water at Jaws, these events exemplify the extraordinary relationship between surfers and the sea. They are a testament to human resilience, skill, and the enduring allure of Hawaii’s waves.