EDDIE AIKAU 2012 2013 QUIKSILVER BIG WAVE FRAMED ORIGINAL CONTEST POSTER In 1976, Aikau was a crew member aboard the Hokulea, the Hawaiian double-hulled, long-distance voyaging canoe, when it capsized in stormy weather about 12 miles south of Molokai. With no rescue expected, Aikau volunteered to paddle a surfboard toward Lanai, about 10 miles away, for help. Hours later, the crew was rescued. Despite an extensive search, 31-year-old Aikau was never seen again.Hawaii_Oahu_Waimea_surfing_Aikau The holding period for the 2012-2013 legendary one-day competition endED on Feb. 28, 2013. Why a three-month span? Because, as organizers say, ?the bay calls the day.? The contest requires a steady flow of waves measuring 20 feet or higher. Since the launch of the competition, nearly three decades ago, it has been staged a total of eight times. Among the 2012-13 contest?s 28 invitees were legends Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons, and Noah Johnson. First-time invitees chosen through a peer poll included John John Florence (Oahu), Alex Gray (California), and Ian Walsh (Maui).