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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 10:11 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2008

Eddie Aikau meet could run tomorrow

Advertiser Staff

The prestigious Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau contest could run tomorrow.

The unique one-day event can be held only on a day when wave-face heights are at least in the 30- to 40-foot range and rideable at Waimea Bay. The contest's holding period is from Dec. 1 to Feb. 29.

Four spots were added to the field of invited competitors this season, bringing the total to 28.

For the first time, invitations were extended to surfers from Asia, South America, Africa and Europe.

Representing those regions are Takayuki Wakita of Japan, Carlos Burle of Brazil, Jason Ribbink of South Africa, and Ibon Amatriain of Spain.

Sixteen Hawai'i surfers are in the field this season, including defending champion Bruce Irons of Kaua'i.

Irons won the contest in December 2004 - the last time conditions were good enough to run the event.

Because of the strict standards for the contest, it has been completed only seven times since it was formed in 1986.

For information, call 596-7873.