Peter Mel put in a brilliant performance to place fifth after flying in from northern California just two days ago. Known for both his paddle-in and tow-in big wave exploits, Mel claimed that there's nothing more skillful and difficult than tackling a huge ocean under man-power alone.
"Tow-in is a cakewalk in comparison," said Mel. "Taking the drop using your own two arms is by far way gnarlier. The hairiest moment is when you first see that wave coming, having to sit in the spot and wanting so hard to run to the channel. It's definitely about mental strength.
"But more than anything, an event like this is all about sharing the moment and seeing everyone push themselves further than they thought they could. When I saw Andy go on a huge wave in our heat, I remembered it. Just to see him nail a late drop and make it, then kick out with a big grin on his face... I remembered that. It's what this is all about."
There were two representatives in today's competition from the Aikau family - 51-year-old Clyde Aikau, Eddie's youngest brother, and 32-year-old nephew Zane Aikau, showing just how much of a tradition and culture big wave riding is to this pure-blooded Hawaiian family.
"This event honors my brother and from a family perspective it's really humbling to think that all these people came out to honor him," said Clyde. "Guaranteed, I think Eddie's up there smiling - 20 to 30 years later, people still know who he is. He was a real humble guy himself and I know he's up there saying 'good job guys'."
Eddie Aikau was the North Shore of Oahu's first lifeguard, watching over the Bay when he wasn't charging the biggest waves of the winter. Tragically, he lost his life in 1978, at the age of 33, during a re-creation of the Polynesian voyage between Hawaii and Tahiti. In huge seas, the voyaging canoe Hokule'a was capsized. Eddie paddled off in an attempt to reach help for his fellow crewmen. While he was never physically seen again, his spirit has lived on to touch the lives of many - surfers, big wave riders, and those who simply appreciate the ocean.
Complete Results: 1. Bruce Irons (Haw) 370; 2. Ross Clarke-Jones (Aus) 338; 3. Shane Dorian (Haw) 331; 4. Andy Irons (Haw) 329; 5. Peter Mel (USA) 327; 6. Kelly Slater (USA) 291; 7. Michael Ho (Haw) 264; 8. Titus Kinimaka (Haw) 262; 9. Noah Johnson (Haw) 258; 10. Paul Paterson (Aus) 255; 11. Rusty Keaulana (Haw) 252; 12. Jamie Sterling (Haw) 250; 13. Clyde Aikau (Haw) 249; 14. Myles Padaca (Haw) 236; 15. Tony Moniz (Haw) 234; 16. Pancho Sullivan (Haw) 227; 17. Ross Williams (Haw) 217; 18. Makua Rothman (Haw) 214; 19. Mark Healey (Haw) 214; 20. Tony Ray (Aus) 207; 21. Daryl "Flea" Virostko (USA) 194; 22. Brian Keaulana (Haw) 176; 23. Zane Aikau (Haw) 149; 24. John Gomes (Haw) 142.
