Chapina Polly Ralda and Mexican Isabelle Leonhardt on the list of guests at Eddie

The list has been revealed and it has a record number of women; John John and Kelly are among the main guests


December 9, 2021
|EN News
|POR DUKE

Cover photo: Isabelle Leonhardt for WSL 

This year's historic Eddie Aikau has two Hispanic Americans on its list: Polly Ralda from Guatemala and Isabelle Leonhardt from Mexico.

Ralda has been based in Hawaii for several years now and is a constant presence in the Waimea lineup. She has previously been invited to the Peahi Challenge and also last year's ladies tournament in Waimea, which did not take place due to unsuitable conditions.

Meanwhile, Isabelle Leonhardt excelled at a big wave event in Puerto Escondido and her name was saved for other invitations. She was also a member of the Mexican open team for the 2016 ISA World Championships held in Jacó.

“I am happy and honored to have been invited as an alternate to this prestigious event. The timing was God-sent as it comes exactly one year after my neck injury which has been challenging for my body and mind. I embrace this opportunity to connect with others, to connect with this magical place whose beauty amazes me, and to connect with my own dreams,” Leonhardt wrote about her qualification.

Meanwhile, Ralda said: “I am forever honoured and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Eddie’s life alongside the best surfers on the planet. Surfing Eddie has to be the pinnacle of any big wave surfer’s human experience and I hope to get the chance sooner rather than later.”

Ralda on another bomb at Jaws, a few years ago. Photo: Surfer's archive

The full list has very strong names, such as John John Florence, Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons, Peter Mel, among others.

Continue below:
Aaron Gold

Andrea Moller

Ben wilkinson

Billy Kemper

Bruce Irons

Danilo Couto

Eli Olson

Emily Erickson

Ezekiel Lau

Grant Baker

Greg Long

Ian Walsh

Jamie O'Brien

Jamie Mitchell

John Jon Florence

Justine Dupont

Kai Lenny

Keala Kennelly

Keali'i Mamala

Kelly Slater

Koa Rothman

Kohl Christensen

Landon McNamara

Lucas Chianca

luke shepardson

Makani Adric

Makuakai Rothman

Mark Healey

Mason Ho

Matt Bromley

Michael Ho

Nathan Florence

Nathan Fletcher

Paige Alms

Peter Mel

Ross Clarke-Jones

Shane Dorian

Taio Shipman

Tikanui Smith

Tyler Larronde

alternates
Mikey O'Shaughnessy

Reef McIntosh

Mike Pietsch

Torrey Meister

Dave Wassel

chris owens

Ryan Seelbach

Chris Bertish

Jamie Sterling

alex martins

Bianca Valenti

Raquel Heckert

Silvia Nabuco

Polly Ralda

Isabelle Leonhardt

Isabelle Leonhardt surfed the best wave of the final of that Puerto Escondido Cup (the one on the cover), receiving a 9,5 and placing second in the event. Photo: WSL
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Eddie Aikau Waimea