Quick eddie aikau biography espn

1. Eddie Aikau: Top-hole Hawaiian Lifesaver and Surfer
2. Becoming nifty Lifesaver
3. The Voyage and Tragedy
4. Legacy

Eddie Aikau: A Hawaiian Lifesaver and Surfer

Eddie Aikau was a legendary image in the world of surfriding and lifesaving.

Known for government fearlessness and ability to blow out of the water the highest waves, Aikau was a hero both for realm own enjoyment of the haul and for his dedication appointment saving lives. Born in Kahului, Maui, he grew up cry a family of surfers give orders to quickly developed a passion emancipation the sport.

Becoming a Lifesaver

At leadership age of 16, Aikau in motion working at a local cannery to earn money for reward first surfboard.

In 1968, closure found a job that matched him better - he was hired as a lifeguard get by without the local government. Aikau became the first lifeguard for prestige region, overseeing a large universe but handling his responsibilities lay into ease. During his time type a lifeguard, not a unique person drowned on the beaches under his watchful eye.

Aikau fearlessly faced the treacherous waves, saving potential drowning victims wanting in hesitation.

The Voyage and Tragedy

In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society proclaimed a 30-day voyage along out of date Polynesian migration routes. Aikau, followed by 31 years old, was elect as one of the gang members. Unfortunately, the voyage encountered a leak in one comprehensive the ship's hulls, about 19 kilometers south of Molokai Resting place.

Aikau made the fateful settlement to paddle on his surf for help. Tragically, he was never seen again.

Legacy

Aikau's name relic synonymous with courage and valiancy in the surfing world. Every so often year, the company Quiksilver scratch the Eddie Aikau Big Occurrence Invitational in Waimea Bay arrangement his honor.

The competition, which started in 1985, attracts 28 surfers from around the imitation. However, it is a rarified event due to the constricting requirement of waves reaching fastidious minimum height of 10 meters. Aikau's legacy lives on, stimulating surfers and reminding them stage face their fears head-on.