Organizers have decided against starting the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational because the swell at Waimea Bay isn’t big enough.

Even though some waves would reach 15 to 18 feet, that isn’t big enough for the event run in memory of Eddie Aikau, contest director Glen Moncata said. The contest runs on a single day when waves reach traditional heights of at least 20 feet at Waimea Bay.

The event has only been completed seven times since it was created in 1984 because the waves rarely get as big as they need to be. The last time it was completed was in December 2004, when Kauai’s Bruce Irons won it.

The contest was created in honor of Waimea Bay lifeguard and big-wave surfer Eddie Aikau, who died in 1978 during an attempt to save the voyaging canoe Hokulea.

When the event is held, 24 big-wave surfers are invited to compete.

(Source: KITV 4 News)