Capetonian surfer Matt Bromley has been invited to compete in two big wave contests, both in Hawaii. Both competitions are first-time invites for Bromley, who has spent the last few years chasing big waves around the world.
The Quiksilver Jaws Big Wave Challenge, presented by Tudor, has some of the biggest paddle waves in the world and is a terrifying venue for many, but Bromley has proven himself out there over the last few years, culminating in his invite to the latest version of the event. The Jaws Big Wave Challenge is situated on the island of Maui and delivers perfect 60-foot waves in the right conditions.
However, if one should weigh up both invitations, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is possibly the most prestigious big wave event in the world, and arguably the toughest to get an invite into. This contest takes place at Waimea Bay, on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii and is one of the most celebrated big wave surf locations in the world.
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Speaking ahead of the competitions Bromley said it’s an honour and a privilege to be invited to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.
“I know guys like Tony Moniz who surfed in this event years ago, and they are absolute heroes to me, and to be able to surf in the same contest as they did, up against Kelly Slater and John John and Kai Lenny is an absolute honour.
“I just hope a massive swell comes and I can get there. When I saw my name on the list I was just like, ‘no way, that’s insane,'” Bromley said.
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In the meantime, Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker is the three-time big wave world champion from Durban who has also been invited into the same two events.
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