Luke Shepardson
Luke Shepardson wins the 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. As I watched the underground charger get showered in Modelo’s, something rattled inside me. Some place deep within me shook. I’ve been scratching my head ever since attempting to put words to exactly what aspect of this story resonated so strongly with me. He was a nobody to the commercial surfing world and yet he was facing the worlds best. He masterfully rode some of the biggest, best Waimea in history. He is a husband and young father of two boys. He probably makes $15 an hour as a lifeguard on the North Shore. He had to use his vacation time to surf his heats throughout the day. After his heats he was not able to hang around the hospitality tent with the rest of the elite. He had to climb back up in his tower and keep working. When he got word he was a finalist he showed up to the award ceremony in his yellow and red standard issue lifeguard uniform. He stood shoulder to shoulder with former world champion and previous Eddie winner, John Florence. And then time stood still….
“Luke Shepardson, winner of the 2023 Eddie Aikau”.
The cheers reverberated up Waimea Valley. As he was hoisted on to the shoulders of fellow big wave giants, the 27 year old father of two and North Shore Lifeguard had his head in his hands. Tears ran down his face. And just as soon as it came…..it went. He had to go. But why?
“I have to get back the tower and make sure everyone goes home safe.”
A hero. Recognized by giants. A story forever burned into the lore of surfing culture and heritage. And yet, humbly…..quietly…..chooses to go back to the lowest seat, in service, for another.
Yeah….there’s just something about it.
Well done Luke. You have forever imprinted true waterman values on a global stage. It may not come easy, but man does it have impact.
