Eddie Aikau

(http://www.alohasurfguide.com/eddie-aikau-legend-l ())

Eddie Aikau was a big-hearted man who possessed great passion for the ocean and wanted all to feel the bliss he experienced when catching the perfect wave. During his time working as Waimea Bay's first lifeguard, Eddie heroically saved many people from monster waves that could have killed them. Eddie also selflessly risked his life when he jumped into the dangerous water to help stranded crewmembers. That treacherous water ultimately took Eddie's life. Eddie is remembered and revered around the world for his admirable characteristics. Eddie is a true hero, admired by many for his humility, selflessness and bravery.  " "Eddie" Aikau (May 4, 1946 - March 17, 1978) is one of the most respected names in surfing." (Eddie Aikau Foundation). According to the Eddie Aikau Foundation, "He became very famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf and won several surfing awards including First Place at the prestigious 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. The local saying, "Eddie Would Go," refers to his stoke to take on big waves that other surfers would shy away from and his courage to make a rescue in impossible situations." (Eddie Aikau Foundation). Eddie then set his sights on becoming Waimea Bay's first lifeguard. This was a major event in both Eddie's life and in Hawaiian beach safety. Waimea Bay was known for its' North Shore treacherous waves and, before Eddie came along, a swimmer entered at his or her own risk. "In 1967, the 21-year-old Aikau became the bay's first permanent lifeguard, and in the months that followed he made as many as 500 solo rescues in the killer surf. The locals knew that if lives were in danger, "Eddie would go.""(a surfing legend gets his dude; ESPN). During his legendary success, Eddie went on to save more swimmers from the monster waves at Waimea. He won several surfing awards, including the prestigious 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. In 1978, Eddie was invited to join a voyage on the Hokule'a canoeing from Hawaii to Tahiti. Suddenly, when the canoe capsized, he jumped in the water braving the waves in an attempt to save the stranded crew members. However, after jumping into the water to attempt to save the crew, Eddie's life was consumed by the one thing he loved so dearly: the ocean. "Eddie was Hawaii's favorite son when in March 1978 he set sail aboard the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule'a, bound for Tahiti. The seas were rough, and less than a day in, the canoe capsized." (a surfing legend gets his dude; ESPN). Eddie will forever be remembered in Hawaiian history for his whole-hearted bravery and passion for helping others. Eddie Aikau is a hero because of his humility in the big wave surfer community, and because he saved hundreds lives and paid the ultimate price by risking his life for those of his crewmates. Eddie was truly a selfless, humble, and brave surfer.

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Eddie Aikau didn't think twice about risking his life to save swimmers, boaters and ocean-goers. Daily, he demonstrated his selflessness by taking life threatening risks to come to the aid of others who underestimated the powerful North Shore waves. He cared about people enjoying the beautiful ocean in Hawaii. Without hesitation he would go in the ocean and bring out anyone in peril. "Today, when you visit the Eddie Aikau Memorial plaques at either, Waimea Bay or The Hokule'a, they both read, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends' ~ John 15:13.There is no doubt that Eddie remains one of Hawaii's most beloved figures. His legend certainly exudes commitment, strength, humility and cultural pride that endure to this day." ("EDDIE WOULD GO"). Eddie Aikau demonstrated many astonishing characteristics and has left a huge mark in Hawaiian history. One of Eddie's most remarkable characteristics was selflessness. As mentioned in the article "EDDIE WOULD GO" by the News States Service, Eddie laid down his own life those of his friends. Eddie didn't bother to worry about his life when going out into the 30 foot waves to save all lives he attempted to, he just focused on getting them to safety and this greatly emphasizes his heroic personality and extraordinary traits. Eddie is well remembered by many people and, especially all Hawaiians, for being a true hero who was selfless and saved many. Today, when visiting the Eddie Aikau Memorial plaques, visitors will see written: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" ~ John 15:13.(sidelights) Eddie will never be forgotten and many aspire to be like him. Many Hawaiian locals knew him as,"Eddie Aikau, a famous and daring lifeguard and big-wave surfer who helped popularize the sport...Eddie Aikau became a legend after he died in 1978 at age thirty-two while attempting to paddle to shore to obtain help for his shipmates after their canoe was wrecked. While the Coast Guard rescued the other men, Aikau disappeared" (sidelights). Eddie wanted all people to feel the blissful feeling of catching an unbelievably big and powerful wave, the kind where its almost too powerful, but not for Eddie. Aikau felt as if no wave was too big, too powerful, or too challenging to surf. Eddie saved lives of those who underestimated their abilities and the big waves. He desperately wanted people to love the ocean like he did and he was simply unafraid of the treacherous ocean. Eddie eventually became a well remembered after his tragic death, when attempting to save his fellow shipmates after an unexpected shipwreck in 1978. While Eddie risked his life and chose to paddle out to obtain help, he unfortunately was lost at sea, and never seen again. This shows exactly how selfless Eddie was; he chose to risk his own life for the sake of others aboard despite the obvious danger. Throughout his success of becoming the surfing legend he was, Eddie willingly risked his life on a daily bases to save people struggling in the water, he didn't care or worry about not being able to save people, even if the waves were up to 30 feet, Eddie always could save them. No one had to worry about if he could save them, they just knew, "Eddie Would Go", and he did.

(http://pvs.kcc.hawaii.edu/index/founder_and_teache ())

Eddie was a very humble surfer who never discussed his talent and only focussed on doing better in life. From being Hawaii's surfing legend, to saving hundreds of people, Eddie Aikau was very humble and wanted everyone to feel the exhilaration and peace "Eddie was described by his closest friends as a humble man who was larger than life. As a surfer, he rode the biggest waves in the world; as a lifeguard, he saved hundreds of lives from the North Shore's treacherous waters; and as a proud Hawaiian, he sacrificed his life to save his fellow sailors aboard the voyaging canoe Hokule'a" (EDDIE WOULD GO). Eddie, as mentioned in the article, "Eddie Would Go, States News Service", was described as a humble man who was larger than life. Eddie's soul was full of salt water; he had the burning fire in him to surf. He wasn't a whole person if he wasn't constantly surfing the biggest waves out there. Eddie really was larger than life. Eddie took on these big waves and was such an inspiration to so many people. By saving so many lives as a lifeguard, Eddie was thought to do incredible, and almost impossible things. Eddie saved over a hundred lives and never let someone drown. Eddie wanted to inspire people like no one else has, he didn't care about winning and getting the trophy, or the fame that followed. Rather, Eddie just wanted to win, so he could win and then improve. He dealt with saving people everyday, and soon became known as,"the Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard who made a name at Waimea Bay by riding monster waves said to reach heights of 40 feet -- and in the process inspiring bumper stickers that said ''Eddie Would Go.'' He died in 1978, when, as a crew member on a Polynesian voyaging canoe that was following an ancient route between Tahiti and Hawaii, he paddled on his surfboard for help after the vessel had capsized south of Molokai."(Shattuck). Eddie Aikau was a very humble surfer who caught amazingly big waves that reached heights of 40 feet, according to the article "What's On Tuesday". Eddie was such a humble surfer who cared about other people's lives more than his own. With the strength he had, the locals always knew that if ever in danger in the water, they could trust Eddie to save them because, "Eddie Would Go".

Eddie Aikau showed many signs of bravery throughout his life. At a moments notice he was willing to put himself in danger to save another. Through everything he did, Eddie remained calm, which proved to a major role in his success. "Eddie Aikau became a legend after he died in 1978 at age thirty-two while attempting to paddle to shore to obtain help for his shipmates after their canoe was wrecked. While the Coast Guard rescued the other men, Aikau disappeared. Later a surfing contest was named for him, and fans began decorating their cars with bumper stickers reading "Eddie Would Go." "("Sidelights"). Eddie Aikau became a surfing legend and a heroic savior after his death in 1978, when he was thirty-two years old. Eddie courageously jumped into the water in attempt to save the rest of the crew when a leak appeared and the canoe capsized. Aikau is known worldwide for the bravery he calmly demonstrated in a time of crisis. Eddie knew the possibility of not returning was scary but he didn't let that bring him down because he knew the joy he felt by saving people and that was worth more than life itself to Eddie. During the time when Eddie was Waimea Bay's first lifeguard, he did an amazing job at saving people from what could have been the loss of their life, but fortunately,"Not one life was lost while he served as lifeguard of Waimea Bay, as he braved waves that often reached 30 feet high or more. Eddie was a legend on the North Shore, pulling people out of waves that no one else would dare to. That's where the saying came from -- Eddie would go, when no else would or could. Only Eddie dared."("EDDIE WOULD GO"). Eddie Aikau had a valuable characteristic most people don't have: bravery. Eddie's bravery was clear when he became Wiamea Bay's first lifeguard. Eddie took action and helped everyone he could. Charging into fierce and powerful waves that often reached 30 feet or higher as mentioned in the article, "EDDIE WOULD GO" by the News States Service. Eddie would willingly jump into the sea, pulling people out and saving so many lives when no one else dared to brave those waves. Eddie showed his heroism especially at times of crisis. Eddie saved people from waves that no one else dared to. Because of Eddie's bravery, hundreds of people lived.

(http://pvs.kcc.hawaii.edu/index/founder_and_teache ())

In conclusion, Eddie Aikau was a selfless, humble, and brave surfer who became well known as Hawaii's surfing legend, life saver, and risk taker.  He was later remembered by the one quote that his actions inspired: "Eddie Would Go". Eddie was a hard worker who happily earned all he got. He willingly sacrificed his life on a daily basis and found great joy in saving people in situations that no one else dared to brave. Eddie's joy was in catching the perfect wave and he always challenged himself to do better. Eddie, in the end, was consumed by the one thing he truly loved: the ocean, in his attempt to save his crewmates on a voyage. Eddie was such a deep person and I am truly inspired to be like him. His heroic actions and humble nature placed the needs of others before his own. I would like to be that brave. Eddie sought out extreme situations in life and I believe this is why so many people are inspired by Eddie to do amazing things. I now know that with great success comes great sacrifice. Eddie has shown me that in fact, the sky isn't the limit and I can achieve so much more than I believe; I can do unimaginable things as long as I put my mind to it and want it more than anything. Eddie was a wonderful hero and savior that many people look up to and aspire to be like. Through good and bad, Eddie remained calm and brave. Eddie was a very selfless lifeguard and thats why he was such a good one, because Eddie cared more about saving people's lives than living. Eddie was  a humble surfer and always wanted to improve. Eddie is a true hero and is still remembered to this day.