The world's best big wave surfers congregate at Waimea Bay for the opening of the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau. Big men, big boards and big emotions as the surfers remember the true spirit of surfing. By Ben Mondy "This is a special day. It's a day when we remember Eddie Aikau, but also give thanks to surfing and give thanks to being a surfer." Brazilian big-wave maniac Carlos Burle is standing in the white sand of Waimea Beach, the famous big-wave spot thundering in the distance, as he explains just what it means to be an invitee into the Quiksilver in Memory Of Eddie Aikau event. Carlos was taking part in the official opening ceremony which is held every year in the Waimea Beach Park. The actual event has a three month waiting period, and only runs when the surf reaches an Hawaiian 20 feet, which translates to 40 feet high wave faces. In the 24 years since the competition was first held, the surf has only reached that scale 7 times, with the last time the event being held back in 2006. "Eddie Aikau was a legendary lifeguard here at Waimea Bay and saved many, many, lives, as well as being one of the best surfers at the Bay," continued Burle. "He died trying to rescue the capsized crew of a canoe that was recreating a traditional Polynesian sea voyage. So this for him and his family and everything he represented." 28 invitees, along with a list 20 or so alternates, representing the best of the best big wave surfers converged on Waimea Beach Park for the opening ceremony, where Kanu (priest) Billy Mitchell presided over an emotional blessing, asking the surfers to say a few words on what it means to be part of an important and symbolic aspect of surfing culture. Following the blessing, all the surfers paddled out to Waimea Bay on their huge 10 feet surfboards, formed a huge circle and shared their feelings about what it means to be an invitee. "It's a pretty amazing opportunity," said Robbie Naish, upon exiting the water under a crimson swirl of a sunset. "This is my first time in the event and to go out there and share your feelings about what it means to be a surfer with a load of guys that I have the utmost respect for,  is really rare. I'm just honoured to be a part of it." The 2006 winner, Bruce Irons, just hoped the swell would get big enough to run. "The wave I rode last time to win is still without doubt the best wave of my life. Lets just hope it gets big enough this season, so that we all get a chance to surf the Bay and remember Eddie properly."