Merchandise for the Eddie available at stores this year

The Eddie Aikau surf contest has always been a nature-permitting event. But fans and shoppers could always rely on a new line of apparel each year.

Although sponsor Quiksilver pulled out and the Aikau family decided to not hold the Eddie this year, the tradition of new merchandise associated with the famous waterman continues.

Shirts, caps and a few other items are being sold at T & C Surf Design outlets, North Shore Surf Shop and Surf N Sea.

“People look for it every year at this time, so we decided we should do it,” Clyde Aikau said, emphasizing all proceeds go to the Eddie Aikau Foundation.

The items have sold steadily since they were introduced last month, employees at the Ala Moana and Kahala Mall T & C stores said.

“Good, but maybe not as much (as previous years). Quiksilver had lots of exposure; they were everywhere,” Kahala manager Lester Maximo said. “But the core guys know, and they’ve been buying. I’ve seen photos on social media of lifeguards wearing (the new shirts). Since there’s just the one color, just white, it’s like a limited edition.

“The only thing we don’t have that people are asking for is the ‘Eddie Would Go’ bumper sticker,” Maximo added.

Also, a portrait of Eddie Aikau by surf artist Eddy Yamamoto, known as “Eddy Y” by many, will be up for auction at Tabora Gallery in Haleiwa, from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 13.

The starting bid is $10,000. Yamamoto said all proceeds go to the foundation.

“I get good exposure; that’s my payoff,” he said. “But the main reason is to give something to the foundation.”

The foundation is “a charitable organization created to share Eddie Aikau’s life, contributions and accomplishments while promoting education and the advancement of Hawaiian culture,” according to its website. “The foundation strives to inspire people to develop a strong sense of pride in themselves, their heritage and their community through Eddie’s remarkable spirit and character.”

The foundation sponsors an annual essay contest for Hawaii students in grades seven through 10. The essays can be written in English or Hawaiian. Cash prizes are awarded for the best entries.

But the foundation might be needed to fund future Eddie Aikau surf meets if a sponsor is not found. Glen Moncata of Quiksilver said his company is willing to try again to come to an agreement to sponsor the surf contest it helped start 32 years ago.