Supply and demand.

With the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational officially in the record books, surf fans yearning for live North Shore surf watching are feeling a little blue this morning. It was quite a show, taking in Kaipo, Rocky and the rest on the broadcast, but how much better to be on the bluff experiencing history in the flesh? The answer is “much better” but now it is too late. The Eddie is over and, with it, the possibility to watch it with eyeballs.

The World Surfing League, though entirely unaffiliated with the Eddie, must be feeling the market vibe and is offering up a brand new Lexus Pipe Pro VIP Experience for the upcoming Lexus Pipe Pro which will run sometime between Jan. 27 and Feb. 8 of the just-around-corner 2025.

“Enjoy VIP access to Pipe Pro and a local’s welcome to the North Shore,” the breathless promotion begins. “This exclusive experience provides an insider take on the Championship Tour’s opening event – from seats in the VIP area for every heat and opportunities to connect with WSL athletes away from the competition to surf guiding on off days with locals like 2011 WSL Big Wave champion Jamie Sterling, Kalani Chapman, and Dom Del Rosario and surf filmmaker Marco Arellano there to capture the moments.”

A sunset mingle with Seth Moniz is also included alongside a bed at the iconic Turtle Bay.

Scott, from the United States, declared, “I’ve been a bunch of times, but I’ve never really been dialed-in on the North Shore. To me, that was the coolest thing – there’s nobody else offering this kind of experience.”

Now, how much would you pay for this one-of-a-kind adventure?

$50,000?

$25,000?

There’s only 12 tickets available and include spending time with championship tour surfers when they are not competing.

$12,000?

No, no and no.

The deal of all deals swinging in at $6495.

Book here and now.

"People drowning in both water and tears..."

While tens of thousands of surf fans made the trek to Waimea Bay in order to witness the historic running of the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, locals were shocked at the overall lack of traffic. The chaotic mess of last year’s Eddie wherein bumper to bumper traffic extended from Haleiwa all the way to Waimea but a vague memory.

Hawaii News Now reporters on the ground credited the smooth flow to county officials not allowing parking at Waimea, itself, and also the horror surf fan wipeout that left many wet and scared.

Watch here.

“City officials and community groups encouraged people to watch the competition from home and online,” the newscaster declared with the encouragement apparently working. Surf fans watching from home noticing thinner than usual crowds on the bluffs and beach of the iconic bay.

A man on vacation with his family and from Tennessee, however, needed to see the show in person so parked in Haleiwa and they all began the six mile march before thinking better of it, returning to their vehicle and trying to find a spot closer to the action. “We’re just trying to drive up, drop them off and then if I have to park the car three miles away and hike it I’ll do it. That’s fine. This is a once in a lifetime thing,” he shared.

Which brings up two important questions:

1. What is the farthest you have ever walked in order to watch a surfing competition?

2. What is the farthest you would theoretically walk?

More as the story develops.

The bay calls the day.