Eddie Aikau

The waves of the Hawaiian waters were shredded by just another surfer who loved the water. A sharp mind, a heart, and courage, this ordinary surfer becomes something bigger. With his talent in the water, Eddie Aikau perseus his passion and uses it in his everyday life. From being a student to a lifeguard to an extraordinary surfer, he builds a list of accomplishments. "lifeguard of the Year" to saving hundreds of lives, Eddie Aikau leaves a permanent mark in the heart of Hawaii. With skills in the water and a spark of bravery, Eddie Aikau saves hundreds of lives of North Shore without a single life lost while he was on duty. With his selfless bravery, a heart to help, and a dedicated mind, Eddie Aikau reveals to be more than just a surfer.

Eddie Aikau as a lifeguard at North Shore (www.eddieaikaufoundation.org ())

Eddie Aikau's selfless ability to put himself below others allows him to provide to their needs, wishes, and lives. Aikau was willing to endanger his own life to ensure safety for someone else's: "Aikau insisted on paddling for help -- his target being the island of Lanai, 12 miles to the east -- and at 10:30 a.m., Captain David Lyman relented. Aikau made a leash of nylon rope for his big rescue board and paddled off, saying: 'Don't worry, I can do it. I can get to land.'" (Surfline.com). Aikau risked and unfortunately also lost his life during his attempt to paddle for miles in the open sea to save the lives of 16 crewmen on a sinking ship. Eddie's selfless personality became a part of his everyday life. He felt that it was his duty to aid anyone in need no matter the cost: "The North Shore in the 1960s had no lifeguards... Seeing the need to fill that gap, Eddie Aikau convinced the city and county of Honolulu in 1968 to hire him... he would become North Shore's first lifeguard."( About Education). Eddie Aikau became North Shore's first lifeguard. His goal was nothing more than to be there when anyone needed him most. Especially in a situation where he could save a life. Eddie Aikau served as a contributor to many lives saved due to his selfless bravery.

Eddie Aikau doing what he loves most (pvs.kcc.hawaii.edu ())

Dedication was one key factor Eddie Aikau had that led him to save the lives of hundreds. Aikau had a determined mind focused on helping anyone who needed him. He was to make sure that not a single person was left without aid when they needed it most: "He was given the task of covering all beaches between Sunset and Haleiwa and saved hundreds of lives over the next three years. Hardly any official rescue reports made it back to lifeguard headquarters; Aikau was not a report writer. In 1971, the roving patrol was disbanded and Aikau was assigned to Waimea Bay, where -- despite his disdain for haole tourists and suicidal Marines -- no lives were lost while he was on duty." (Surfline.com). Eddie Aikau was appointed to an area where death was not an uncommon thing. With people on the verge of a suicidal death, Eddie's determination would not allow it. Due to his powerful mind, not a single life was lost while he was on duty. Eddie did whatever it took to keep anyone from harm, especially the ones who seek to harm themselves: "Because of the brutal power of North Shore waves, people die regularly as a result of their inability to negotiate the rough conditions, but nobody ever died on Eddie's watch and he'd saved the lives of hundreds of people." (About Education). The fact that death was an event that occurred on a regular basis didn't stop Eddie from attempting to save every single life that was endangered with success. No matter the difficulty, Eddie managed to come through to the people of North Shore. With a determined mind set on helping others, Eddie Aikau showed that nothing to keep him from doing what was right.

Eddie Aikau winning "Lifeguard of the Year" award (www.eddieaikaufoundation.org ())

Eddie Aikau had a strong love for people that lead him to do the unthinkable. With the love Eddie had for the water and his community, he took his big risk of paddling miles in the open waters desperately attempting to save every la Dedication was one key factor Eddie Aikau had that led him to save the lives of hundreds. Aikau had a determined mind focused on helping anyone who needed him. He was to make sure that not a single person was left without aid when they needed it most: "He was given the task of covering all beaches between Sunset and Haleiwa and saved hundreds of lives over the next three years. Hardly any official rescue reports made it back to lifeguard headquarters; Aikau was not a report writer. In 1971, the roving patrol was disbanded and Aikau was assigned to Waimea Bay, where -- despite his disdain for haole tourists and suicidal Marines -- no lives were lost while he was on duty." (Surfline.com). Eddie Aikau was appointed to an area where death was not an uncommon thing. With people on the verge of a suicidal death, Eddie's determination would not allow it. Due to his powerful mind, not a single life was lost while he was on duty. Eddie did whatever it took to keep anyone from harm, especially the ones who seek to harm themselves: "Because of the brutal power of North Shore waves, people die regularly as a result of their inability to negotiate the rough conditions, but nobody ever died on Eddie's watch and he'd saved the lives of hundreds of people." (About Education). The fact that death was an event that occurred on a regular basis didn't stop Eddie from attempting to save every single life that was endangered with success. No matter the difficulty, Eddie managed to come through to the people of North Shore. With a determined mind set on helping others, Eddie Aikau showed that nothing to keep him from doing what was right. st person aboard a sinking ship: "His full name, Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau, makes it seem as if he was born for his life's journey. Makua Hanai literally means "feeding parent" in Hawaiian, usually in the description of a fostering parent who nurtures those around them - not only one's kin, but the community they hold close. And Eddie loved his community: his people; his Hawaii. And it was Eddie's love for both that led him to paddle out of a maelstrom and into the open sea towards Lanai for help." (The Inertia). Without the love Eddie had for people, those lives may have never been saved. His heroic act of selflessness, determination, and bravery would not have been possible without the love he had in his heart. Love was something that drove Aikau to achieve great things: "His prowess enabled him to win the Duke Kahanamoku International Surfing Championship in 1977. He was honored by his fellow lifeguards in 1971 and named "Lifeguard of the Year". Eddie was loved by those who knew him. As Barry Kaniapuni, another big wave rider and surfboard shaper stated, "Eddie was a throw back with the old 'Hawaiian kine' attitude.'He was the kind of fellow who would give you the shirt off his back, just a regular, down-to-earth guy.'" (Dubiel). Eddie was able to earn many rewards and accomplishments simply because he loved what he did. With the love he received back from his peers, Eddie was even more driven to create and conquer new goals in life. His love for people, his community, and the water are what led him to achieve many goals and save many lives.

Eddie Aikau at North Shore (en.wikipedia.org ())

Even if we was just an average surfer, Eddie Aikau proves that with the right state of mind, anyone can be heroic. Being the simple guy that he was, Eddie managed to save hundreds of lives while being just a regular guy: "His full name, Edward Ryon Makuahanai Aikau, makes it seem as if he was born for his life's journey. Makua Hanai literally means "feeding parent" in Hawaiian, usually in the description of a fostering parent who nurtures those around them - not only one's kin, but the community they hold close. And Eddie loved his community: his people; his Hawaii. And it was Eddie's love for both that led him to paddle out of a maelstrom and into the open sea towards Lanai for help."(The Inertia). Aikau's selfless act of paddling for miles to shore only to never be seen again saved the lives of 16 more people that may be added to the list of the hundreds he has saved before. His big heart and dedication led him to become one of Hawaii's biggest inspirations. Eddie was a man who not only loved, but was loved back by his fellow peers: "Written on his memorial is the inscription, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down for his friends." (John 15:13).....Eddie Aikau is gone, but his name will live on in the annals of heroism in Hawaii. His spirit will live too, wherever the Hokule'a sails.....'" (Eddie Would Go:The Story Of Eddie Aikau). Eddie Aikau has touched the hearts of people all across the nation. With his heroic attitude, he gave his life to save the ones on a sinking ship. His name will forever be remembered as one of the greatest inspirations of the Hawaiian culture. With his will to help, a dedicated mind, and selfless bravery, Eddie Aikau proves to be not only a legendary surfer, but a legendary hero.