Pure Hawaiian Aikau

"It's time to give other younger big wave riders a chance to be invited." This is the voice of Clyde Aikau, explaining why he retired from surfing in the contest held each year to honor his brother; the legend behind the saying, EDDIE WOULD GO. "I'm 51 years old, Clyde continued, "It's time to focus on business, family and my son Ha'a, who is 7 years old. I feel complete and at peace in my big wave riding. I've placed in the top 5 in every event at Waimea Bay that I've been invited to for the last thirty years. I took the DUKE in '73, the EDDIE in '83 and 3rd in the Smirnoff in '74 held in 30' surf."

Quickly our conversation turned to Eddie and the good old days. The bond that existed between them was forged in family and re-enforced with hours of being in the water side by side in extreme conditions. "When we lost Eddie in '76 I was devastated, I lost my brother, my best friend and my surfing partner. For the next three years I didn't surf in the country, I focused solely on starting and running my beach service business." During this time of grieving, Clyde reverted back to his roots… taking care of family. The lessons learned from "Mom" and "Pops" Aikau have served him well. Today Clyde is a successful businessman, a loving husband, a proud father and a strong brother committed to carrying on the family name.

Slowly I brought the conversation back to the issue of retirement. "It's been chicken-skin surfing the biggest waves in the world with Eddie, Jose Angel, Kenny Bradshaw, Derrick Dorner, Brock Little and Noah Johnson. I still have a strong desire to surf massive waves. I love the challenge and the combination of fear and exhilaration that goes with being able to relax under pressure and feel the power of the wave and surf it with style. I will surf the country this winter on my terms, to fit my schedule. At this point in my life, I don't want the obligations that go with surfing in a contest. It feels good to be able to give my slot to someone who will be thrilled to have the opportunity to surf in the EDDIE."

Clyde is clearly SOMEBODY, yet being with him is easy. Clyde has the wisdom; the gray in his hair and the knowledge that allows him to be his own person and make his own decisions. Clyde Aikau was born into a family committed to surfing, destined for fame and rich in heritage. Yet he took what was given to him and added to it a college education and an awareness of a much bigger world. This proud Hawaiian is very bright, he has learned his lessons well. He has arrived at this place in his life secure in his identity and clear of his mission. Impressed by his sincerity, I listened as he revealed the regrets of his childhood. "I wish I would have hit the books earlier, college taught how much I love to learn and I wish I would have tried other sports. My son plays baseball and I don't even know the rules. Shortstop, what's that!"

Bravo Clyde, you have accomplished so much to proud of and what comes through is the humility and Aloha that characterized your family. Pure Hawaiian Aikau, indeed, you are a tribute to your family and a product of your own desire to learn and grow. That's HiLevel.