One of the big wave events held at Waimea is The Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in Memory of Eddie Aikau (aka The Eddie).  You've seen those classic bumper stickers and t-shirts that read "Eddie Would Go." They're referring to Eddie Aikau, a legendary Hawaiian big-wave surfer who in 1968 became the first lifeguard hired for the challenging beaches of the North Shore.  Eddie was commended for having made many daring rescues during that time.