Cover photo Jeff Divine

Legendary Hawaiian surfer Clyde Aikau passed away last Saturday at his home in Waimanalo, Hawaii. His family reported that he “died peacefully” at his home. He was 75.

In addition to being a legendary big wave surfer, where he rode until recently, even participating in one of the last Eddies at Waimea Giant, Clyde was the main figurehead in honoring the life of his older brother, Eddie Aikau, by organizing the most prestigious big wave event year after year, which he also won in 1986.

According to the Encyclopedia of Surfing, Aikau was born in 1949 on Maui, the youngest of six children, and moved with his family to Oahu at age 10. He began surfing in 1964, at age 15, in Waikiki, and before the year was out, he had become Hawaii's junior champion. For years, Clyde was somewhat overshadowed by his older brother, Eddie, who made a spectacular debut at Waimea in 1966 and was recognized as the best big-wave surfer of his generation.

“In 1967, Clyde later recalled, 'I said to my brother, 'Hey, Eddie, can you take me out and teach me how to surf in the bay?' So we went out, and he showed me exactly where to go, where not to go, and what to pay attention to.' Clyde and Eddie surfed well in all the North Shore breaks; in 1971, they both reached the finals of the Smirnoff Pro and the Duke Kahanamoku Classic; two years later, Clyde won the Duke, the first competition held at Waimea. The following year, he placed third in the 1974 Smirnoff, held in near-perfect conditions at Waimea. 'All three semifinal heats were contested in the biggest waves in the history of the competition,' commented writer Drew Kampion in his coverage of the event. 'Clyde Aikau, who had been the best surfer in the preliminary heats, surfed these gigantic waves from a takeoff zone well above the point.'”

Aikau is survived by his wife and son Ha'a, who also surfs big waves and continues the family legacy.