Making waves: DFS Hawaii unveils surfing photography exhibition

USA (HAWAII). T Galleria by DFS, Hawaii is making a splash with an exhibition that showcases photographs from the world’s most prestigious big wave surfing contest.

Pro surfers who participated in the 31st Annual Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational – or simply ‘The Eddie’ – helped launch The T Galleria X Eddie Exhibition, which runs until 31 August.

The exhibition launch event raised funds and awareness for the Eddie Aikau Foundation, which was founded in 2000 to share the story of lifeguard and surfer Eddie Aikau’s life, contributions and accomplishments. It is also dedicated to promoting the education and advancement of Hawaiian culture through advocacy, education and philanthropy.

All the images at the exhibition were taken by big wave surf photographer Zak Noyle, who was granted exclusive access to capture the eight-hour contest at Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore.

A pop-up shop at DFS’ Hawaii store will feature a selection of the photographer’s artwork, t-shirts and ocean gear.

Exhibition visitors will also be able to view the surfboard that the youngest competitor, 22-year-old Koa Rothman, used on the day of The Eddie. The Aqua Lung, a technologically advanced inflatable ocean safety vest that was launched at this year’s contest, will also be on display.

Noyle captured waves of up to 50ft during The Eddie, a contest that requires open-ocean swells to reach a minimum height of 20ft before it can even take place. As such, the 2016 tournament was the first time The Eddie had run in seven years and only the ninth time in the competition’s 31-year history. Clyde Aikau, the younger brother of Eddie Aikau, was one of the surfers to participate and was on hand at the DFS exhibition launch.

“T Galleria by DFS is honoured to partner with the Eddie Aikau Foundation and Zak Noyle to celebrate this uniquely Hawaiian event, and through the gallery exhibition, bring our customers a never-before-seen look at The Eddie,” said DFS Group Managing Director, Hawaii Polly Nelson.

“We hope that through Zak’s inspiring images, customers will gain an appreciation for the sport of big wave surfing as well as Hawaiian culture, and that together we can raise awareness for the causes at the core of the Eddie Aikau Foundation’s mission.”

Noyle commented: “The opportunity to be in the water photographing The Eddie was such an incredible honour and a day I will never forget. I am stoked to be able to re-live these memories through the T Galleria by DFS, Hawaii gallery and to share these epic moments with locals and visitors through images that I’m revealing for the very first time.”