Sport

Prestigious 'Eddie' invite for Baker

7 November 2008

Big wave maestro Grant "Twiggy" Baker has become the first South African to be invited to compete in the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, the world's longest running big wave surfing contest, which is staged in the hallowed waves of Waimea Bay in Hawaii each year.

Known as "The Eddie", the event requires one day with a minimum of 20-foot surf (Hawaiian scale) in order to run between 1 December 2008 and 28 February 2009.

It gathers 28 of the most skillful and dynamic big-wave surfers from around the world, as polled by a comprehensive panel consisting of influential watermen, members of the surf industry, and internationally recognized surfing associations.

Big wins

Baker, 35, from Umhlanga, has devoted the last 10 years of his life to chasing the biggest waves he can find around the globe, earning respect, accolades and titles worldwide, including winning the Mavericks Surf Contest in California in 2006 and the Red Bull Big Wave Africa at Dungeons in Cape Town in July this year.

As well known for his prowess in paddling into giant waves as he is for towing into the biggest rideable surf on the planet, Baker is currently in Chile, where he finished sixth in the inaugural APT Pichilemu World Cup Tow-In event on Monday; he was ecstatic to hear of his selection among the 28 who will contest the Eddie this year.

"I'm so stoked," said Baker on hearing of his invitation. "I'm staying with my friend Ramon Navarro in Chile and we both got the news this morning and the atmosphere in the house is electric.

'It means everything'

"It means everything to us guys from the less well known or well recognised surf nations, and for the organisers to put us both in shows that the surf world is really sitting up and noticing what we are doing.

"It's been 10 years of good times and great waves to get here, but also hard work and perseverance have played a big role. I am just so stoked for South Africa and myself and I can't wait to be the first Saffa to represent at the Eddie... Let's just hope it runs this year."

Speaking of the prestige of being in the event which honours the memory of Waimea Bay lifeguard and Hawaiian big wave legend Eddie Aikau, Baker explained that while Mavericks, Dungeons and Waimea Bay all have their own attraction, Hawaii remains the ultimate test of a waterman's abilities.

'Ultimate proving ground'

"Hawaii is still the ultimate proving ground, and even though I feel that Mavericks and Dungeons are heavier places to surf, this is the Eddie, and to be included in this field is truly an amazing honour."

Being included in the field for the first time also sets up an intriguing duel with close friend, fellow Billabong team rider, and tow-in partner Greg Long, as they are the only big wave competitors to have won both the Mavericks and Dungeons events.

"Greg and I each have two of the three titles, so it's game on to see who is the first to take all three. I'm just happy I get a chance to do it this year," commented Baker on the rivalry between the two most successful big wave competitors of the past five years.

More information on the Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, including a full list of the invitees and alternates for the 2008/09 event, can be found at The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau.

SAinfo reporter