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Quiksilver - In The Waves
Quiksilver - In The Waves
Last week Tuesday the three-month holding period for the '2016/17 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational', a World Surf League (WSL) Specialty Event, drew to a close. "The Eddie" can only run when wave face heights reach 40-feet-plus for a full day of competition - that did not happen this winter.
Since 1985, the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational has been an invite-only big-wave event that takes place at Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, where the late Eddie Aikau served as the North Shore's first lifeguard. The waterman became a legendary figure in Hawaiiafter an ill-fated attempt to save fellow crew members onboard the H k le'a in 1978, and continues to inspire generations with his symbolism of bravery, camaraderie andaloha spirit.
In other news 3 times World Surf League (WSL) Champion, Nick Fanning, announced his return to full-time competition on the elite WSL Championship Tour.
"I've decided to come back to competition full time and do the Tour this season," Fanning said. "It was nice to have 2016 off somewhat and decompress, but I'm excited to put the singlet on again."
The iconic Australian stepped back from full-time competition last year following a 2015 season that witnessed the world-famous shark attack at the J-Bay Open, the loss of his older brother Peter and an emotional Runner-Up finish to the title race.
Owen Wright (AUS) also made a comeback when he accept the wildcard for the 2017 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), following a year-long absence from competition after suffering a serious head injury whilst surfing Pipeline, on Oahu's North Shore, in December 2015.
They will be joining the world's best at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and the Roxy Pro Gold Coast, which gets underway on March 14th, 2017.