Hawaii big-wave surfing contest won by Californian riding 30ft monster

Greg Long carries off 'The Eddie' in a competition for the world's best held only when waves reach mammoth proportions
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It is the ultimate surfing competition: an event only held when the waves reach epic proportions on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii.

Known as "The Eddie" after the legendary surfer and North Shore lifeguard Eddie Aikeau, yesterday's event was won by a professional surfer, Greg Long, who rode a massive 30ft-plus wave in the final heat.

The Californian outpointed his hero Kelly Slater to win an event that happens only when the waves reach 20 feet (6m) in Waimea Bay. Long, from San Clemente, took first prize of $55,000 (£33,500) in a field of 28 top surfers including Slater, Bruce Irons and Sunny Garcia. All are experienced big-wave riders. Entrants were selected by a poll of surfers.

Long survived a nearly sheer drop down one of the larger set waves late in the final heat. Judges awarded him a perfect 100, pushing him past Slater, who had led through most of the day.

"I'm so happy just to be here, invited into the biggest event of big waves in the world with all my heroes, said Long. "I'm so excited. Riding big waves is my passion and I've been following the Eddie since I knew exactly what it was. I was probably 12 years old just getting into surfing. Since then I've had every single poster from Brock Little to Bruce Irons on my wall."

The event is named after Eddie Aikau who died in 1978 when the traditional Hawaiian canoe he was on with others capsized en route from Hawaii to Tahiti. Aikau paddled on his surfboard towards Hawaii's Lanai island, 19 miles away, to get help but never returned.


Thousands gathered to watch the world's top surfers brave the spectacular waves. Some arrived at 4am for a good spot, while others camped out all night.

Officials gave the go-ahead just after dawn and spectators cheered as the competition started with three surfers flying down a huge wave. Anticipation had been building for days as Hawaii's coast was pounded by large waves, the result of turbulent Pacific storms to the north of the island.

On Monday one world-class surfer, Tom Carroll of Australia, shattered an ankle when he tumbled in the waves. Officials warned crowds not to get too close to the pounding surf.

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