He was as famous for surfing large waves as he was for being a lifeguard and rescuing those who wiped out surfing.

Before Fame

He took up surfing as a teenager, saving up money to purchase his first surfboard when he was 16.

Trivia

In 1985, an annual big wave surfing contest was first held in his honor, aptly named "The Eddie."

Family Life

He was born to Henrietta and Solomon Aikau.

Associated With

His competition was won by fellow legend Kelly Slater.