27-year-old Luke Shepardson is on his way to making history in surfing. Though he started dreaming about excelling in the sport seven years back, he still strives to do the same. In the past week, Shepardson won the Eddie Aikau. From working as a lifesaver to the winner of the most dangerous competition, the journey needed constant dedication and absolute passion. Recently, Kelly Slater praised the winner for showing an incredible performance at the bay.

Shepardson let the people witness his incredible acumen making Waimea Bay his stage. The audience is convinced that he could be a suitable successor to the legend after whom the competition is named.

Kelly Slater congratulates the new surfing champion

After a hiatus of seven years, one of the world’s most prestigious and fearful contests, The Eddie, finally happened. Reportedly, forty-five invitees along with almost 60,000 spectators were present to witness the participants riding 50 feet waves. Eventually, a surfer and lifeguard from the North Shore of Oahu, won the competition and even defeated the previous title holder John John Florence.

To congratulate the emerging talent, Slater took to his Instagram to share a story dedicated to Luke. The surfer wrote, “Legendary win for @casualluke at the #EddieAikau! Huge congrats. I watched Luke with @brock.little on a huge day in 2016 a few days before Brock passed away and right before the last Eddie and he has blown away by the size of a couple waves Luke got. Kid’s been charging for years between shifts.”

Moreover, Shepardson won the Eddie by competing during the intervals from his lifeguard job and returning to the tower between heats. He received the award wearing his uniform and said, “I can’t believe it, it’s surreal, it’s a dream come true”. As a dedicated lifeguard, Shepardson kept an eye on all the spectators present at Waimea Bay, while working towards his passion for the waves. Just like Eddie Aikau, himself.

Read More – “Force Was With Him”: Fans Hail Local On-Duty Lifeguard Luke Shepardson for Taking on a Huge Wave at the Eddie

The legend behind the competition

Considered more a cultural event than a surf contest, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational got its name from Eddie Aikau, the first lifeguard on the North Shore of Oahu who saved more than 500 lives. Eddie was a legendary surfer too, and in his final act as a lifeguard, he saved all of his crew, with little regard for himself. It’s still a mystery how he called for help and eventually vanished afterward. Local people of Hawaii regard him as a hero and dedicated this competition to him.

Undoubtedly, the unpredictable sea, the tradition, and the legendary Aikau himself hold the utmost importance to people. As for Shepardson, evidently, working as a lifeguard could not limit him from winning or being acclaimed as a legend himself. Have you checked out his latest pictures?

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