Local lifeguard beats world’s best big wave surfers to take Eddie Aikau title

Luke Shepardson claims victory in Hawaii event, which is only held when waves at Waimea Bay consistently reach 30ft or bigger.

Hawaiian surfer Billy Kemper rides a wave during The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surfing contest on Monday. Picture: BRIAN BIELMANN/AFP via Getty Images

Luke Shepardson is more accustomed to saving lives than winning international surf competitions, but on Monday the on-duty lifeguard saw off some of the biggest names in the sport to claim victory at the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational in Hawaii.

Shepardson had to get permission from his boss to take time out from his day job to compete in the elusive event, which throws professional and local surfers together in huge swells and this week ran for the first time in seven years. The competition, known simply as The Eddie, is held only when waves at Waimea Bay consistently reach 30ft or bigger.