On The List.

Having only run eight times in the last 25 years, the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau invitational is the most prestigious big wave surfing event. The contest is only held once the waves reach the 20-plus feet threshold at the famous Waimea Bay. After lying dormant for five years, the contest ran last year and was taken out by California’s Greg Long ahead of Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons and Sunny Garcia. This year’s invitees have been announced and included on the alternate list for the first time is Aussie charger Mark Mathews. We gave him a quick call to see what it’s like to have his chance at winning the Eddie, why the contest is so important and who he thinks will win.

What’s it like to have your name on the alternate list for the Eddie?
“I’m over the moon. It’s a dream for me. Fuck, I’ve been watching that contest for so long and ever since I was young I’ve wanted to be involved. I never thought I’d have a chance to be in it. I’m only on the alternate list, but it’s that one step closer.”

Is it a goal of yours to win?
“Yeah it definitely is. I’d love to try and take it out over the next five years. I’ve got to get in the contest first but it’s definitely one of my priorities.”

Kelly Slater: Proving why he’s the best surfer in the world.

Pic: Courtesy of the ASP

Why is it a goal of yours to win an Eddie?
“It’s almost the most prestigious surfing event. It’s definitely the most prestigious big wave event. I think it’s the history behind the event, the past event winners and the surfers that are invited. It’s everything about the contest that makes me want to win.”

Do you think the contest still holds its weight in the surfing community?
“I think the contest proved that point last year. It was such an amazing event and I’m pretty sure there were over 30,000 spectators. I’d probably go ahead and say that it was the most watched surfing event. I surfed nearly every swell over there last year just to try and get a spot on the list. I was on the beach watching the comp and everyone was so amped to be in the contest. I was hanging out with Kala Alexander and it was his first year in the contest. I couldn’t believe how excited he was. He was telling me the whole season that the only way to get into the contest was to surf every swell out Waimea and charge.”

Ross Clarke-Jones: Still Charging

Pic: Courtesy of the ASP

Do you think there should be more Aussies invited?
“I think the majority of people should still be Hawaiian. I think there’s definitely room for more Aussies on the list though. I think Koby Abberton should definitely be on the invite list. I’d like to see Laurie Towner in the main event over the next few years. There’s so many good Aussie guys that charge that I think would do well. Although after surfing the solid swells there last year, I’ve realised that there are so many underground Hawaiians that aren’t even on the list.”

How do you prepare for an event like the Eddie?
“I think it’s kinda easy when you’re only on the alternate list because it’s a slim chance that you will get to surf. It’s sorta in the back of your mind and not one of your priorities. I’m not going to do anything different to how I normally prepare for the Hawaiian season.”

What’s your motivation behind heading to Hawaii this year?
“It’s basically just to get waves. I want to surf every big swell over there this year because you’ve got to be out there to earn your spot in the Eddie. Some years Waimea doesn’t even break, but if it does this year I want to be out there. If it’s going to be massive, I’m going to be out there.”

The 30,000 plus crowd at last year’s Eddie Aikau event.

Pic: Courtesy of the ASP

How long do you see yourself having a crack at the Eddie?
“Fuck, I don’t know. I reckon I could easily make 40. That gives me plenty of time to try and win it. You’ve only got to look at Ross Clarke-Jones. He’s been a standout ever since he’s been in the contest. He’s easily been the best Australian out there. He’s getting older, but you only have to look at his performance last year.”

If the Eddie runs this year, who’s your pick to take it out?
“I think if Bruce is fit, he’ll want to win. You can never count out Slater. He’s the best out there I reckon. He’s the best surfer in the world. Jamie O’Brien earned a place this year and I think he could have a good dig. I think anyone invited has a chance. There’s not a person on the list that won’t take off.”

Invitees:

Clyde Aikau (HAW)

Kala Alexander (HAW)

Tom Carroll (AUS)

Kohl Christenson (HAW)

Ross Clarke-Jones (AUS)

Shane Dorian (HAW)

Keone Downing (HAW)

Sunny Garcia (HAW)

Mark Healy (HAW)

Michael Ho (HAW)

Bruce Irons (HAW)

Noah Johnson (HAW)

Rusty Keaulana (HAW)

Brock Little (HAW)

Greg Long (USA)

Reef McIntosh (HAW)

Garrett McNamara (HAW)

Peter Mel (USA)

Ramon Navarro (CHL)

Jamie O’Brien (HAW)

Makuakai Rothman (HAW)

Kelly Slater (USA)

Jamie Sterling (HAW)

Dave Wassell (HAW)

Grant Baker (ZAF)

Chris Bertish (EUR)

Carlos Burle (BRA)

Takayuki Wakita (JPN)

Honorary Invitees:

Donny Solomon (HAW)

Jay Moriarty (USA)

Lester Falatea (HAW)

Mark Foo (HAW)

Peter Davi (USA)

Tiger Espere (HAW)

Todd Chesser (HAW)

Andy Irons (HAW)

Alternates:

Kahea Hart (HAW) – Aikau Pick

Ross Williams (HAW)

Nathan Fletcher (USA)

Mark Mathews (AUS)

Sion Miloski (HAW)

Kalani Chapman (HAW)

Keoni Watson (HAW)

Anthony Tashnick (USA)

Ian Walsh (HAW)

Koby Abberton (AUS)

Danny Fuller (HAW)

Kealii Mamala (HAW)

Ken Collins (USA)

Myles Padaca (HAW)

Laurie Towner (AUS)

Jamie Mitchell (AUS)

Paul Patterson (AUS)

Andrew Marr (HAW)

Rusty Long (USA)

Tony Ray (AUS)

Derek Ho (HAW)

Taylor Knox (USA)

Tau Hannemann (HAW)

Manoa Drollet (PYF)

Tags: Mark Mathews