It had been seven years since conditions were right for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational to take place, but on January 22, 2023, word came through: The waves were good. The Eddie was a go.
The Eddie-a surfing event held only when the waves at Waimea Bay exceed 20 feet in height brought thousands of people to the North Shore of Oahu, where Luke Shepardson works as a lifeguard. The 27-year-old North Shore native had long dreamt of competing in the Eddie, and had been invited to sign up after organizers saw him surf the break back in 2016. So this year, despite being on duty that day, Shepardson had permission from his boss to take part during his lunch break. When the time came, the Eddie novice donned his competition jersey, ran into the waves he first rode at age 13-and won. Shepardson scored an incredible 89.1 out of 90, beating some of the world's best surfers and winning the $10,000 prize and the respect of the surfing community.
THE RED BULLETIN: When did I grew up you start surfing?
LUKE SHEPARDSON: surfing with friends and family. It's what I love to do. It keeps me in the present and is always there for me. It helps me get away from stuff if I'm having a hard day. Every time you get out of the water, you go back to whatever you were doing feeling better.
Did you have dreams of making it as a pro as a kid?
Denne historien er fra June - July 2023-utgaven av The Red Bulletin.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June - July 2023-utgaven av The Red Bulletin.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Teflon Sega DIGITAL REVOLUTIONARY
Created as a means of outsmarting the music industry, this 2D anime singer is pushing the boundaries of artistry in the metaverse.
Open-Door Policy GAME CHANGER
Frustrated by the lack of options to watch women's sports while out drinking with friends, Jenny Nguyen decided to do something about it.
ENTER THE DRAGON
Content creator Stefan Li, aka the Sushi Dragon, is revolutionizing livestreaming with his innovative use of consumer tech.
The Spirit of Defiance
When Peruvian-born and Miami-based photographer Celia D. Luna learned of a skate crew in Bolivia, run by young women who ride in traditional Indigenous garb, she knew she had to shoot them. The photos are a testament to the power of self-expression.
RACING TOWARD PEACE
Custom car builder, content creator and budding actress Emelia Hartford has found much-needed serenity-at very high speed.
DIGGING DEEP
In her own words, pro mountain biker Kate Courtney describes how she learned to confront her fears and demystify obstacles by working with veteran rider Jill Kintner.
TOUR DE FORCE
Pro cyclist Wout van Aert loves to push himself to-and beyond the limit.
Field of Dreams
In the plains of Kansas, freerider Tyler Bereman and builder Jason Baker are perfecting a dirt bike course that inspires riders to go big and unleash their creativity.
TENACITY AND JOY
The future of women's soccer has arrived. Her name is Trinity Rodman.
Playlist - HIGHER CALLING
British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding revisits four songs that have played a crucial role in her musical education.
