Waimea Bay, HAWAII, December 2, 2010 --- The world's most celebrated big wave riders gathered under heavy skies at Waimea Bay today for the traditional opening ceremony of the 26th annual Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau, fueled by Monster Energy. December of every year, during the Hawaiian winter, is when attention turns to the prestigious Invitee list of 28 surfers who are asked to ride mammoth waves at Waimea like Aikau did in his time.


But this year it is the fresh loss of former invitees Andy Irons and Marvin Foster, both from Hawaii, that has the surfing world reflecting upon the importance of gatherings like these and the role they play in honoring the past, respecting the present and looking forward to the future.