annie Reickert Dominates at Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, Eyes 2025 big Wave Challenge
Annie Reickert, a rising star in big wave surfing, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, recently achieving the highest-ranked female position at the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. Her performance, especially a notable wave at Jaws, has earned her an entry into the 2025 Big Wave Challenge. This success comes after a significant shoulder surgery that initially presented a major hurdle, preventing her from participating in ocean activities.the period of recovery following her surgery served as a profound learning experience for reickert. She shared that the inability to surf and engage in activities like running without pain made her deeply appreciate the outdoors. “It made me never take being in the ocean or running without pain for granted ever again,” she stated. The experience also shifted her perspective on self-comparison. “I convinced myself I’d never get back to feeling 100%,” Reickert admitted, reflecting on her past tendency to compare her current self to her pre-injury capabilities. This realization led to a mental adjustment, accepting that change is not necessarily negative and that evolving as an athlete doesn’t equate to being “worse.”
Reickert’s comeback has been remarkable. Her participation in the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational marked her debut, where she secured 29th place outranking all other female competitors. This achievement was preceded by a period of consistent swell and favorable conditions at Jaws, a renowned surf break. One particular wave, a west bowl roll-in captured on video and featured in the article, was instrumental in her qualification for the 2025 Big Wave Challenge. She described the atmosphere leading up to the Eddie as “buzzing.”
Beyond her competitive pursuits, Reickert is also dedicated to community involvement. She recently participated in and won her division at an 8-mile downwind hydrofoil race on Maui’s north coast, an event that benefits special needs children. Her commitment to the ocean and her passion for surfing remain central to her identity, as she expressed, “Even if I wasn’t doing this for a career, I still want to spend as much time as possible in the water. It’s who I am.”
