Cover photo: Manny Resano at Waimea by Shane Grace 

Manny Resano and Cristian Merello did not hide their joy at having been invited to the most prestigious and traditional big wave event in the world, the classic in memory of Eddie Aikau.

“It's a nice recognition for someone who made big wave riding the priority of his life,” said the Nicaraguan, while the Chilean said: “I'm very happy, it's an honor for me to be there, happy to represent Chile and Latin America, so we're going all out.”

Resano said he initially found it odd that Eddie started following him on Instagram. “It caught my attention, but I really didn’t expect it,” he said. “They wrote to me on IG congratulating me and asked me for some logistical things,” he said.

Asked if he would attend the traditional opening ceremony, he explained: “The idea is to go to the ceremony, but my route doesn’t change. I can leave work aside only if there is swell. Any kind of ceremony, it happens after work.”

Merello said: “I am super happy with the news, when I received it I was thrilled. For me it is an honour to be part of this event in memory of Eddie, which is one of the most emblematic championships in big wave surfing. It is a reward for my career in big waves. I am very motivated and very happy and looking forward to leaving for the Hawaiian season and being there in all the swells, wanting to be in contact and connected to the ocean.”

He added: “I want to connect with the big waves in Hawaii and also the great culture of big wave surfing.”

Different from what has happened in previous years There are five Spanish speakers on the guest list for this season's EddieMerello and Resano are joined by Isabella Gómez from Colombia, Alonso Correa from Peru and Natxo González from Spain.