Eddie Invitees Give Back to the Community

This past weekend, a group of humble watermen quietly gathered for a meet and greet with the surf community on Oahu. Surf fans came from all over the island and filled the Pearlridge's Mauka Center Court to meet the heroes who surfed in the historical 2024/2025 Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Invitational. In attendance was Aunty Myra Aikau, sister of Eddie and Clyde, as well as last year’s winner, Landon McNamara, and the 2023/2024 winner, Luke Shepardson, and other invitees like Billy Kemper, Mark Healey, Torrey Meister, Mason Ho, Emi Erickson, Aaron Gold, Eala Stewart, Tiare Lawrence, Jake Maki, Eli Olson, and more. Along with prize giveaways facilitated by our master of ceremony, T&C ambassador and KHON correspondent Chris Latronic, and music by the lovely Rachel Faith, those who waited patiently in line to meet these legends of the surf world were treated to a great day of sharing the stoke and aloha that gives life to our great sport. 

During the event, we got to hear from Landon McNamara, who shared some words on what it means to be a part of this event, and he even talked story a bit about his legendary winning wave. He remarked, “I’m stoked to be here to keep on supporting the legacy of the Eddie Aikau Foundation, the competition, and all the family. They do a lot of good work in the community, so I show up when I can, and today I could.” Landon also shared a bit about how the win's impact has yet to fade. He said, “I take a step back and think about it, and still trip out that it happened. I feel very blessed and grateful for all of it. It’s not something I can explain in words; it’s something that keeps on taking new meaning as it goes along; it’s such a special thing.” And finally, when asked about his winning wave, he humbly stated, “That wave is ingrained in my brain forever. I was at the top of that thing, not really thinking I was going to make it. I give it up to Eddie and the Gods for helping me out with that one.” 

We also got to hear from Linda Ispen, president of the Eddie Aikau Foundation, who shared words of support and gratitude to the surfers and community. She exclaimed, “The Eddie Aikau Foundation is always glad to get out into the community with these professional surfers. Most of our directors are here today, and we’re here to support the surfers!” She continued, "And we’re so thankful that the surfers turn up here because they’re not under contract with us; they’re here because they want to. They’re here donating their time to give back to the public and the community, and we’re just grateful to be here with them. The Eddie Aikau Foundation is also non-profit, so we are supported by donations and contributions. We’re so grateful to our sponsors Rip Curl, T&C Surf, Olukai, and about 15 or 20 more; we need every one of them to be able to make the Eddie happen. Mahalo to those who came out and stood in line to honor these big wave surfers, men and women.” 

In addition to a fresh Eddie Aikau Invitational poster autographed by some of surfing’s most iconic watermen, attendees had a chance to win some amazing prizes. One lucky fan, Dixie Deehan won a $700 voucher for a new custom T&C surfboard by contributing to our social media giveaway, and Christian VonHamm walked away with a framed official Eddie contest jersey worn and autographed by this year’s champ Landon McNamara. If you missed out on the fun, we still have plenty of Eddie Aikau merchandise in stores, and you can find it at tcsurf.com.