Eddie Aikau was born in Hawaii in 1946 and was one of the most famous surfers of his generation. He was also a skilled lifeguard, and his work saving people in the ocean earned him a reputation as a hero. However, it was his tragic disappearance while on a voyage with the Polynesian Voyaging Society in 1978 that made him a legend.
Aikau was on the crew of the Hokule’a, a traditional Polynesian canoe that was sailing from Hawaii to Tahiti. When the canoe started taking on water, Aikau volunteered to paddle his surfboard to get help. The crew decided to wait for rescue instead, but Aikau set out on his surfboard anyway. He was never seen again.
Aikau’s disappearance was a shock to the surfing community, and he became a symbol of bravery and selflessness. His legacy inspired the creation of the Eddie Aikau Foundation, which promotes education and environmental awareness.
The foundation’s efforts include a program called “Eddie Would Go Water Safety Education,” which offers resources and education on water safety and the risks involved in water sports and recreation. The program is a tribute to Aikau’s commitment to saving lives, and aims to prevent accidents and tragedies like the one that claimed his life.
Eddie Aikau’s life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. He was a true hero who risked his life to save others, and his passion for the ocean and the environment lives on through the foundation that bears his name.
swells: large, rolling waves that move across the ocean’s surface
navigation: the process of planning and controlling the course of a ship or aircraft
flawless: perfect and without any faults or errors
rescue mission: an operation to save people who are in danger or distress
fierce: strong and powerful, often used to describe storms or waves
“disappear”: to vanish or become invisible
“desperate”: a situation where someone is willing to take extreme risks to achieve a goal or avoid a negative outcome
“perilous”: extremely dangerous or risky
“hypothermia”: a medical condition where the body’s temperature drops dangerously low due to exposure to cold temperatures
“paddled”: the act of moving a small boat or surfboard through the water using a paddle
“memorialize”: to create a monument or other form of remembrance to honor someone who has passed away
“sacrifice”: to give up something valuable or important for a greater cause or purpose
“adversity”: a difficult or challenging situation or condition
“legacy”: something that is handed down from the past, such as a tradition or an inheritance
“humility”: the quality of being modest and respectful towards others, even when one has achieved great success or recognition
