Reigning big-wave world champion Makua Rothman recently opened up to his sponsor RVCA about what it is like to be invited to The Eddie. “To be a part of that event is mind blowing,” says Rothman. “It’s everything everybody has ever shot for as a big wave surfer. It’s probably the most significant contest in the big wave community … anybody who is anybody would love to get a Eddie Aikau win under their belt.”

Rothman is currently ranked number two in the world on the Big Wave World Tour and will be looking to etch his name into history when The Bay comes to life this Thursday. “Just to have that win under your belt is mind blowing and Bruce Irons has done it, he’s done it once. So hopefully this year speaking on behalf of myself I would like to get out there and get the best waves and hopefully bring home that win for the family.”

See the heat draw for the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Invitational here.