Guerrero excited to call The Eddie Broadcast

HONOLULU (KHON2) – The islands will have two surf legends, Kaipo Guerrero and Rocky Cannon, on the call of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.

With this event, arguably the most prestigious surfing competition on earth, having only run 9 times since 1985, each edition of The Eddy is unique.

One of the things Guerrero is very excited to see this year is the number of Vahin’s in the lineup.

“This year’s AD format will be five heats of eight surfers in each heat. Unique to this year and early on this year, each of these heats will have at least one female surfer out of those eight surfers out of the lineup. Eight surfers are allowed to catch four waves in their heat and then they have to come in,” Guerrero explained.

“Those eight surfers are two rounds of heats; And at the end of the day, it’s a leaderboard. The top three waves for each surfer will be added together and the surfer with the highest total will be this year’s winner,” Guerrero said.

With their extensive work in the surfing community, this is an incredible honor for both commentators.

“It is a gathering of surfing; So, I am honored to highlight it and be a part of it. I have been a part of Eddies of the past in different capacities, but this is truly a gathering of surf culture and Eddie Ekau’s legacy as a Hawaiian waterman,” said Guerrero.

The last time the Bay had a day was in 2016 when a historic swell crowned local legend John John Florence.

“In 2016, it was giant John John Florence who won out there. We were calling it Brock Swail after Brock Little who we had recently lost and one of the most epic Waimea surfers of all time. So, a mind is also involved in this phenomenon. And, I think that’s what makes it so special,” Guerrero said.

You don’t have to be crazy about surf to enjoy it.

For Guerrero and Cannon, it’s also a chance to share some history with an expected worldwide audience.

“We want to give everyone a little history lesson and a cultural lesson along with entertainment. So, I have some great teammates. Joining me should be Dr. Isaiah Walker from BYU; and he’s surfing in Waimea.” going to touch on some cultural significance and historical facts,” Guerrero said.

KHON2’s coverage of The Eddie begins with Wakeup 2Day at 6:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, January 21, with the contest airing live on KHON2.com and KHII at 8:00 a.m. ET.