Jason Ribbink

First South African invitee to Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Contest
For the first time ever, a South African surfer – Jason Ribbink – cracked an invite into the prestigious Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau surfing event, held at Hawaii’s infamous big wave surfing spot, Waimea Bay. Jason’s recent explorations of new big waves spots around the globe, and ground-breaking performances in big surf, gave him the chance to be selected among a core group of international big wave surfers, including defending champion Bruce Irons, and eight-time world champion Kelly Slater. The event is held in memory of legendary big wave surfer and waterman, Hawaiin Eddie Aikau, and only goes ahead when the open-ocean swells breaking in the bay reach a minimum of 20 feet – translating to wave face heights of more than 30 feet. Given the strict wave height requirement, the event has only been held a total of seven times in 21 years.