Kona’s Dorian Awaits Call for the Eddie

Some of the best surfers from across the world will be waiting for big waves to roll in for the chance to compete in the 31st Annual Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay, including a well known Big Island wave rider.

A list of invitees and alternates was released last week by event organizers for the surfing spectacle, which celebrates the life of Aikau, a popular surfer and lifeguard who was a crew member aboard the Hokule’a in 1978 when he was lost at sea attempting to get help for the voyaging canoe.

Kailua-Kona’s Shane Dorian is among the 28 invitees who will wait for the 20-foot waves to come in to Waimea Bay. The 43-year-old surfing veteran is one of many big names in the sport to receive an invite, joining Sunny Garcia, Kelly Slater, and John John Florence, among others.

While getting an invite to the prestigious event is tough, it is even tougher to run the event. Waves at Waimea Bay must meet at least 20 feet, delivering face heights of approximately 40 feet. Organizers wait between Dec. 1 and Feb. 29 for those waves to come, and once it does, the event is called on.

Getting those waves can be difficult, though. The last time the event was held was back in 2009. California’s Greg Long won the event.