EDDIE WON’T GO BUT MAVERICKS IS ON
The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau big wave event will not run in the 2017/2018 season, it has been confirmed.
It is understood that Quik, Red Bull and the Aikau family had agreed on sponsorship terms for the event, but over the weekend, talks fell apart and the event was canceled.
In a statement, a representative from Quiksilver said: “Quiksilver has decided that it has run out of time to sponsor the ‘Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau’ big wave surf event for 2017-2018.
“Quiksilver has been honored to celebrate the life of champion big wave surfer and Waimea Bay lifeguard Eddie Aikau. Quiksilver is proud of the tradition of the event which underlines its respect for Eddie Aikau, the Hawaiian people and the community at large, and Quiksilver greatly appreciates more than 30-years of partnership with the Aikau family.”
Meanwhile, the World Surf League has confirmed that both a men’s and women’s Big Wave Tour event will go ahead at Mavericks this season, after an agreement was made with the troubled Cartel Management, the organization behind the Titans of Mavericks competition.
Earlier this year, Titans went bankrupt and had been looking to offload assets of the event, including the permit to run it.
© 2017 – Audrey Lambidakis
“The League has always held a high amount of respect for the both venue and its community as one of the pillars of big wave surfing,” said the WSL’s CEO, Sophie Goldschmidt. “The WSL intends to continue to run the Mavericks event and celebrate the stories of those who steward and surf it through the Big Wave Tour. This is a huge moment for both the organization and the sport of surfing.”
And big wave commissioner Mike Parsons added: “It’s one of the best big wave locations in the world and the opportunity to put it alongside Puerto Escondido, Nazaré and Pe’ahi is massive for the Big Wave Tour. After discussion with the athletes and the Senior Management team, including it in this year’s season was a no-brainer. We’re all thrilled at the opportunity to run an event there.”
