Surfers Rush To Compete In Rare Big-Wave Surfing Contest

Twenty-four of the world's most skillful and dynamic surfers converged to Oahu's Waimea Beach this week, to compete in the Quicksilver Big-Surfing competition, which began on Tuesday morning at 8.00am.

While the competition, held in memory of Hawaiian surfing legend Eddie Aikau, was first held 25 years ago, it has only taken place seven times since - That's because this prestigious event, last held in 2004, takes place only if the waves are 20ft or higher.

The invite-only event, was announced two weeks ago in anticipation of the big waves that were predicted to hit the beautiful islands of Hawaii this week - And, to everyone's delight, nature kept it's end of the bargain, with the waves getting better and better as the day progressed - often reaching as high as 40ft.

The surfers didn't disappoint either, riding the seemingly insurmountable waves with relative ease and, as is often the case in such competitions, the results were a total surprise. It started the day before when one of the favorites, two-time world champion, Tom Carroll from Australia, had to bow out after tearing an ankle, whilst riding a big wave, duing a practise session.

On the day of the big event, eight-time world champion and former Eddie Aikau winner, Kelly Slater, led the competition the entire day, until almost the last wave, when Southern Californian Greg Long took the lead and the championship, by scoring a perfect 100, for surviving a sheer drop from a 40ft. wave!

The Monster Drop Award (see video) went to Ramon Navarro from Chile, after an incredible backside drop and smooth ride all the way to the beach, that left the audience gaping in awe and impressed the judges enough, to earn him a perfect score.

All in all, it was an amazing day and a dream come true for both surfers and the audience fortunate enough to be there during this rarely-held event. Best of all, while there were plenty of broken boards and wipe-outs, everyone went home in one piece!

sources: timesonline.co.uk,surf.co.nz,live.quicksilver.com