Starting October 1, Eddie won’t be the only one to go at Waimea. The Women’s Waimea Bay Championship will be the first big wave women’s event on the North Shore, with an open contest window from October 1 to Nov 21.
They have have an impressive roster. Big wave greats from last year’s Pe’ahi Challenge winner, Paige Alms, to Mavericks legend Savannah Shaughnessy and Ireland’s wave pioneer Eaksey Britton will face the 40’+ roar of the bay, should that swell materialize.
The website says that organizers were inspired by Queen Kuhina Nui Ka’ahumanu, a Maui-born surfer who defied gender segregation, and a mission to:
“Honor the rich culture of strong women in Hawaiian history, showcase the strength and beauty of female big wave riders, create positive role models to keep pushing the dreams of the next generation, and send a message of caring for our environment – Mauka to Makai.”
The newly-organized event is seeking sponsors. They invite those aligned with their mission to connect with them via info@waimeabaychampionship.com.
The full roster:
MAKANI ADRIC
PAIGE ALMS
EASKEY BRITTON
JUSTINE DUPONT
EMILY ERICKSON
MICHAELA FREGONESE
SARAH GERHARDT
BRITTANY GOMULKA
RAQUEL HECKERT
KEALA KENNELLY
BLAKE LEFKOE
ANDREA MOLLER
SILVIA NABUCO
REMI NEALON
NICOLE PACELLI
FELICITY PALMATEER
POLLY RALDA
MOMO SAKUMA