John Florence, Eli Olson, and Jake Maki walk up the beach at Waimea Bay on the morning of January 23, 2023, heading toward their heat in the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. The energy is heavy with anticipation. This isn’t just another contest; it’s a rare gathering steeped in tradition and respect. The three surfers move with quiet focus, grounded in the moment, ready to take on one of surfing’s most iconic stages.