Weather tracker: Giant waves bring rare surfing event to Hawaii

Competition named after champion surfer Eddie Aikau is only held when waves in Waimea Bay top 30ft

A rare surfing event, The Eddie, took place in Hawaii last week, thanks to some giant waves.

Formed about a week ago in the north Pacific Ocean, the waves emerged as a large low-pressure system produced an exceptionally large swell. They went on to hit Hawaii, enabling The Eddie to take place for just the 11th time in its 40-year history. Named in memory of the champion big-wave surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau, the competition requires that waves in Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, where the event is held, top 30ft (9 metres).