.svg.png)
Dreams come true — San Francisco’s big wave surfer Bianca Valenti is invited into the most prestigious big wave competition in the world, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Edddie Aikau (Kahului, Hawaii, May 5, 1946 – March 17, 1978) was a Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer. As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, he saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf, winning several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (“The Eddie”) is named in his honor. The impact Eddie makes on generations of surfers is now more relevant than ever with the addition of women to the event. I feel truly honored and humbled to be invited into this event as it is a sign that I am embodying Eddie Aikau’s rainbow warrior aloha spirit. “Eddie would go” and I am going and I’m going to do it with the love!!! Mahalo and please enjoy the San Francisco Chronicle article by Bruce Jenkins in the link.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational: the best day of my life yet! 🌊 From the powerful spirit of Eddie to the roaring crowd, my fellow competitors, and the unmistakable ALOHA —every moment was unforgettable. I’m deeply grateful to the Hawaiian Water Patrol, event organizers, and everyone who made this monumental day possible. It wasn’t just about riding waves; it was about honoring a legacy, a community, and a shared love for the ocean. Mahalo for letting me be part of something so much bigger than myself. 🌈 “Eddie would go,” and I was honored to go with the love.
