John John was the last winner in 2016.
WSL / HEFF
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Last year, when the event had regained its splendor and was to organize its 33rd edition, it was the Covid who had come to play the spoilsport. The bad news had been announced by the Aikau family via a press release published in September 2020. The fault as one would expect at the coronavirus pandemic.
However, last january, Hawaii was touched by XXL swells (north-west) which would undoubtedly have allowed the famous competition to take place. Waimea then ignited like all the other big spots on Oahu. We all remember the images showing waves at Waimea completely closing the bay. But the Covid had not seen it that way and the 33rd edition could not be held.
A very symbolic competition for the Hawaiian community. Here Bruce Irons at the opening ceremony of the last edition in 2016.
WSL / ED SLOANE
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But good news! Double good news to be exact.
First, the Aikau family let it be known last night via their Instagram account that the waiting period for the 33rd edition of the Eddie Aikau Invitational in Waimea was open! The latter will run from December 1 to February 28. We obviously cross our fingers to see the Hawaiian archipelago affected by the same swells as last winter.
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This is the first time that 3 French people have been invited the same year to the event! (see full list of guests at the bottom of the article).
Jérémy Flores in 2nd row behind Sunny Garcia has already taken part in the competition on several occasions.
WSL / KELLY CESTARIA
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The winners of the Eddie Aikau Invitational
1985/1986: Denton Miyamura (Haw)
1986/1987 : Clyde Aikau (Haw)
1989/1990 : Keone Downing (Haw)
1998/1999 : Noah Johnson (Haw)
2000/2001: Ross Clarke-Jones (Aus)
2004/2005 : Bruce Irons (Haw)
2001/2002 : Kelly Slater (USA)
2009/2010 : Greg Long (USA)
2015/2016 : John John Florence (Haw)
—-Here is the guest list for this 2021/2022 edition
– Aaron Gold
– Andrea Moller
– Ben Wilkinson
– Billy Kemper
– Bruce Irons
– Eli Olson
–Emi Erickson
– Zeke Lau
– Grant Baker
– Greg Long
– Ian Walsh
– Jamie O’Brien
– Jamie Mitchell
– John John Florence
– Justine Dupont (FRA)
– Kai Lenny
– Keala Kennelly
– Kealii Mamala
– Kelly Slater
– Also Rothman
– Landon McNamara
– Lucas Lead
– Luke Shephardson
– Makani Adric
– Makua Rothman
– Mark Healey
– Mason Ho
– Matt Bromley
– Nathan Florence
– Nathan Fletcher
– Paige Alms
– Peter Mel
– Ross Clarke Jones
– Shane Dorian
– Taio Shipman
– Tikanui Smith (FRA)
– Tyler Larronde (FRA)
– Mikey O’Shaughnessy
– Reef McIntosh
– Mike Pietsch
– Torrey Meister
– Dave Wassell
– Chris Owens
– Ryan Seelbach
– Christ Bertish
– Jamie Sterling
– Alex Martins
– Bianca Valenti
– Raquel Heckert
– Silvia Nabuco
– Polly Ralda
– Isabelle Leonhardt
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