Rip Curl has announced 32 invitees and 25 alternates for the 2026/27 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay. The list includes 2024 winner Landon McNamara, John John and Nathan Florence, Kai Lenny and Paige Alms. The waiting period runs December 6, 2026 to March 4, 2027, and the contest only runs on a day when waves reach about 40-foot faces. In its 41-year history it has been held just 11 times. Contest director Keone Downing says a strengthening El Niño makes this winter look promising.
While a strengthening El Niño bodes well for the season.
Source: Stab. Headline and summary belong to the original publisher. We link, we don’t copy.
Sources
- Stab: Rip Curl Announces Invitees To The 2026 Eddie Aikau Invitational: https://stabmag.com/news/rip-curl-announces-invitees-to-the-2026-eddie-aikau-invitational/
- Rip Curl: Invitees Announced for 2026/27: https://www.ripcurl.eu/blogs/events/invitees-announced-for-2026-27-rip-curl-eddie-aikau-big-wave-invitational
- Hawaii News Now: Eddie invitees announced: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/10/30/eddie-aikau-big-wave-invitational-invitees-announced/
