2023 Eddie Aikau Invitational Highlights: Best Waves in Historic Surf at Waimea Bay

What will we remember most about January 22, 2023 at Waimea Bay? Everyone who took part, whether it be watching from afar via our live broadcast, standing on the beach with jaws hanging down to the sand, or in the water trying to hunt — we’ll all have different memories. But when it comes down to winning the day, here’s the waves that really counted. As you watch, bear in mind how the event is judged in the context of the Bay’s unique complexities: the panel is looking for wave size, critical positioning on takeoff (ie steep and deep), control of the drop, and successful “make”, ie completion of the ride through and past the wave base. Rides into the shorebreak, while serious crowd-pleasers, aren’t big points-adders: as you’ll note from this selection, the big points come from those first 10-20 seconds of the ride — which also relies on the decision to go in the first place. (Also worth noting: waves are scored out of a possible 30, rather than 10. Also, Mark Healey’s wave above was so close — 29.6 — that we had to include here.)

It was an amazing day, however you saw it. We hope you enjoy these seven moments of magic.

Results (scores are out of a possible 90.)
1. Luke Shepardson 89.1
2. John John Florence 84.2
3. Mark Healey 82.3
4. Billy Kemper 79.5
5. Kai Lenny 76.7
6. Ezekiel Lau 75.5
7. Landon McNamara 75.3
8. Keali’i Malama 72.5
9. Lucas Chianca 71.7
10. Ross Clarke-Jones 70
11. Tyler Larronde
Wave of the Day: Zeke Lau.

Waves ridden in order:
Landon McNamara 75.3 | (00:00-0:36) Round 1 Heat 3
Ezekiel Lau 75.5 | (0:37-1:21) Round 1 Heat 4
Luke Shepardson 89.1 | (1:22-1:49) Round 1 Heat 5
John John Florence 84.2 | (1:50-2:23) Round 2 Heat 1
Mark Healey 82.3 | (2:24-3:33) Round 2 Heat 2
Tyler Larronde | (3:34-4:00) Round 2 Heat 5
Luke Shepardson | (4:01-4:34) Round 2 Heat 5
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