The Eddie Opening Ceremony 2011

Dec 1st was the day we have all been waiting for...the Opening Ceremony for the Eddie Aikau!

I look forward to this event every year, its amazing to see a large group of such talented surfers from all over the world get together. You can feel the energy in the air...the excitement, the respect for the Aikau family and  even the melancholy when remembering surfers who are no longer with us.

Taken during the  blessing 

The ceremony is definitely something you should see if you appreciate the sport of Surfing. What other sport can you witness such an event in public with the roaring surf behind you and be in such close proximity to the athletes? Photographers dream  :)

Photo session!

Always seem to be behind Sunny Garcia every year :)

Kelly Slater & Grant McNamara

After the ceremony, the surfers go out to the water for another blessing, this is Makua Rothman

Sunny Garcia & Jeremy Flores (2010 Pipe Master Winner)

My fave pic of the day....Kelly Slater...love the look he has while touching his board,....
MY PRECIOUS...haha

Headed out to make the circle

The circle of love ;)

After the ceremony on the water, they couldnt resist catching some waves with the great surf we had !

Perfect ending to a great day....lucky to have some 15 foot surf too!