Hawaii’s Landon McNamara captured the iconic Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on Sunday at Waimea Bay.
For just the 11th time in its 40-year history, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational was held as Oahu’s North Shore delivered massive 40-plus-foot waves, drawing an estimated 25,000+ spectators to witness the pinnacle of big wave surfing.
Often referred to simply as “The Eddie,” the event has built a reputation as the most iconic and prestigious surf competition in the world. Held only when the conditions meet the rigorous standards of enormous, consistent swells, the phrase “The Bay Called the Day” brought out some of the best and most courageous surfers in the world, who tackled monstrous waves, resulting in unforgettable rides and spectacular wipeouts.
This year’s champion, McNamara of Oahu’s North Shore, etched his name into history alongside legends of the sport with an epic performance that created a number of moments that will certainly live on in surfing lore. McNamara’s winning three wave total was 135.80 which included a 50 point ride in the second round. Fellow Hawaii surfer Mason Ho finishes second with a 120.9 score.
With the victory, McNamara earned $50,000.00 for first place to go with 350,000 Hawaiian Airlines miles.
McNamara, who is also a musician had his debut album, “A Dollar Short and a Minute Late,” reach #1 on iTunes and #5 on Billboard’s reggae charts in 2016. Since then, he has released two more albums over the years.
The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is named in honor of Hawaii’s own, the late great Eddie Aikau, a legendary big wave surfer and Waimea Bay lifeguard known for his selflessness and bravery.
Final Results of the 2024 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational:
- Landon McNamara – 135.80
- Mason Ho – 120.90
- Billy Kemper – 119.90
All-Time winners of “The Eddie”:
1985: Denton Miyamura
1986: Clyde Aikau
1990: Keone Downing
1999: Noah Johnson
2001: Ross Clarke-Jones
2002: Kelly Slater
2004: Bruce Irons
2009: Greg Long
2016: John John Florence
2023: Luke Shepardson
2024: Landon McNamara