John John steps up and wins 2016’s Eddie

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Not since 2009 has the Quicksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Waimea Invitational been run. When an epic forecast showed up on the charts expectations were high and during an absolutely macking Pacific swell Eddie definitely went! Clyde Aikau announced it was all systems go and with first glimpses of huge Waimea surf everyone knew this was going to be one to remember.

Pic: Hodgson/AFrame

Clean up sets sending water patrol scurrying to the beach, heavy wipeouts coming thick and fast (including Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker’s smack down of the event – see pic below), a 66yr old charger simply having it on a throwback single fin (Eddie’s brother Clyde), a multiple time surf champ snagging the only pit of the day in honour of Brock Little and a young ripper stepping up and taking the podium (John John Florence), the Eddie was certainly riveting entertainment.

Pic: Quiksilver

John John Florence’s performance can only be described as outstanding. The youngest ever surfer to win the prestigious Eddie looked cool and calm out in the line up. Riding a much smaller board than many favoured (8.8ft) his relaxed approach certainly paid off. John John was understandably ecstatic at winning the highly regarded big wave comp and will now join a very select few of fearless chargers in Eddie’ hall of fame.