HONORING EDDIE AIKAU: 

BIG WAVE SURFERS GATHER AT KA MAKANA ALIʻI

HONOLULU, HAWAII (January 13, 2026) - T&C Surf, in collaboration with the Eddie Aikau Foundation, is proud to host an exclusive meet-and-greet event featuring invitees and alternates of the prestigious Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.

The special event will take place January 17, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at Ka Makana Aliʻi. Fans will have a rare opportunity to connect with some of the world’s most accomplished big-wave surfers, celebrate the enduring legacy of Eddie Aikau, and experience the true spirit of aloha.

Media Highlights

● Interview and photo opportunities with elite big-wave surfers including 2023 Eddie winner Luke Shepardson, elite big wave surfers Billy Kemper, Grant Twiggy Baker, Jamie Mitchell and many others

● Limited-edition Eddie posters (while supplies last)

● Exclusive giveaways, including a custom T&C Surf surfboard

● Athlete storytelling and insights from big-wave surfing icons

● Live entertainment by Hui Pū

About THE EDDIE® Big Wave Invitational In Memory Of Eddie Aikau

Honoring the life and legacy of the legendary Hawaiian lifeguard, surfer and hero, THE EDDIE Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau stands as the pinnacle of competitive big-wave surfing in the modern era. Held only 11 times in its 42-year history, THE EDDIE showcases high-performance big wave surfing by an elite group of men and women at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of O'ahu. Watched by millions around the world, the event is slated to be held on one day, between December 7, 2025, and March 6, 2026, should wave heights reach 40-foot faces and weather conditions allow for the competition to “Go.” The event was last held on December 22, 2024, and Landon McNamara claimed victory, earning a $50,000 cash award, and from Hawaiian Airlines 350,000 miles for the 1st Place win with an additional 250,000 miles for the Best Wave of the Day. More than six million streaming views from fans in 195 countries watched the Emmy Award-winning broadcast.

For more information visit:

Website: https://www.theeddieaikau.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theeddieaikau

Instagram: @TheEddieAikau

Through events like this meet-and-greet, the legacy of Eddie Aikau continues—bringing the global surf community together to celebrate bravery, commitment, and the spirit of aloha.

Join Us

This hour and a half event offers rare access to some of the world’s most respected big-wave surfers, celebrating the legacy of Eddie Aikau and the spirit of aloha.

Ka Makana Ali‘i

Center Court

91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy

Kapolei, HI 96707

About the Eddie Aikau Foundation

The Eddie Aikau Foundation is a non-profit organization created to share Eddie Aikau's life, contributions and accomplishments while promoting education and the advancement of Hawaiian culture. Founded by the Aikau family, the Foundation pays tribute to Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau in honor of his love for his family and others, his courage and compassion in saving lives, and his dedication to Hawaiian people and culture. Eddie's legacy is a pure symbol of the Aloha Spirit. For more information visit: https://www.eddieaikaufoundation.org

About Rip Curl

Founded in Torquay, Australia, in 1969, Rip Curl remains a company built by surfers for surfers. Regarded as The Ultimate Surfing Company, for over 50 years Rip Curl has endeavored to make the best products, run the best events, support the best athletes, deliver the best customer service, and have the best crew of people. The Search is the driving force that led to the creation of Rip Curl, and it lives in the spirit of everything the Rip Curl crew do. https://www.ripcurl.com/us/

About T&C Surf

Founded in 1971 by surfboard shaper Craig Sugihara, T&C Surf operates three divisions: surfboards, retail and licensing. The surfboard division operates from a state-of-the-art shaping facility in Wahiawa. It provides our highly skilled board shapers with the best tools for designing and producing some of the world’s most sought-after surfboards. The retail division includes six locations on Oahu; Ala Moana Center, Haleiwa Store Lots, Kahala Mall, Ka Makana Ali‘i, Pearlridge Center, and Windward Mall. The brand also has licensees around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Europe, Japan and New Zealand. Visit us online at TCSurf.com.