The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau is the world’s longest running and most prestigious big-wave invitational and is the only one sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals. On this day, the best big wave riders pay tribute to Eddie Aikau, a young Hawaiian waterman lost at sea, in 1978.

The competition which takes place at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore has only run eight times in 25 years. In order to kick off the competition, the extra large swell that is building for the Oahu’s North Shore must meet the required 20-foot waves. Based on current information, estimated arrival of this latest swell to hit the Hawaiian Islands is around Thursday, January 20th.

Some of this year’s 28 invitees include: Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons, Sunny Garcia, Mark Healey, Greg Long, Peter Mel, Shane Dorian, Tom Carroll and Ross Clarke-Jones.