Stories From The Eddie: The Trophy

Go behind the scenes of creating the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational perpetual trophy in part two of our “Stories From The Eddie” series.

Life-changing moments deserve symbols that capture the importance of the occasion. When the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational ran on December 22, 2024, viewers witnessed event winner Landon McNamara raise a trident-like trophy overhead in victory after scoring a perfect 50-point ride, a powerful image that marked a historic day at Waimea Bay.

This menacing and intricately crafted piece was designed not only to honour the champions of the world’s most iconic big wave event, but also to commemorate the coming together of Rip Curl and The Eddie Aikau Foundation in partnership for the first time. A symbol that will now continue to live on for decades to come.

Drawing inspiration from the rock and molten lava of Hawaii’s volcanoes and rugged landscapes, the trophy design pays homage to the event’s deep roots in Hawaiian culture. Skillfully engraved with the names of past winners, it celebrates the present while preserving the rich history of the event and the enduring legacy of Eddie Aikau.

“My whole purpose with The Eddie was to make sure that his legacy will live on for years and years and years to come,” said the late Clyde Aikau, Eddie’s brother and the 1987 Eddie Winner. “You know, there's a lot of dedication that goes into that”.

The materials used to craft this piece do justice to that dedication, as well as reflecting the powerful nature of the waves invitees ride in his honor. Crafted from Damascus steel, revered by blacksmiths worldwide for its strength and resilience, the trophy mirrors the courage required to face an Eddie-sized swell at Waimea Bay.

With the 2025/26 waiting period now open, we wait patiently to see whether the Bay will once again call the day, and whether another surfer will get the chance to etch their name alongside the legends of the sport.

The 2025/26 Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational waiting period will run from December 7, 2025 – March 6, 2026. The event requires a gigantic swell producing consistent 40’ faces in order to be given the green light and as a result has only run 11 times in its 41-year history.

Learn more about this iconic event here