Eddie is a No-Go, but High Surf Warnings Remain

(Update: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011)

By Wendy Osher

Eddie would not go today–that’s the determination made by contest officials from The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau.   Lack of consistency was the reason.  In order for the competition to run, there needs to be two rounds of consistent 20 foot waves.  Contest officials say that in order to give the 28 invited surfers an even chance, there weren’t enough consistent waves to meet Eddie standards.  There are still six weeks left in the holding period for the competition, so crews will continue to look to the horizon for future swells headed toward Hawaii.  A high surf warning remains in effect through Friday evening across the state.  Details below…

(Update: 8:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011)

By Wendy Osher

Contest crews were on alert this morning to see if waves were big enough for the Quiksilver in memory of Eddie Aikau contest.

Waves are rolling in at 18 to 20 feet plus at Waimea Bay this morning where crews were monitoring surf to determine if Eddie would go.  A live stream of activity at the headquarters of The Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau can be viewed at the provided link. A determination was expected at 8:30 this morning.

A high surf Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.

Surf is expected to peak at 35-40 feet along the north and west facing shores of Kauai and Niihau.  Peak surf heights of 25-35 feet are expected along the north facing shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui.

As for west facing shores of Molokai and Oahu, surf heights are expected to be between 15 and 25 feet.

The swell was expected to peak early this morning on Kauai and Oahu.  Here on Maui and Molokai, the waves were expected to peak around mid-morning.

The swell will gradually diminish after peaking, remaining large enough for the surf warning to remain in effect through late Friday.

A high surf warning indicates that dangerous and battering waves will pound the shoreline.  This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and strong rip currents.  Beach goers should avoid entering the water and remain alert for wave run-up if going to the beach to view the surf.

(Supporting information courtesy National Weather Service)