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Sports film of the week: Hawaiian -- The Legend Of Eddie Aikau

If you’ve never heard the story of Eddie Aikau, now is a good time to start.

Title: Hawaiian — The Legend Of Eddie Aikau

Director: Sam George

Released: 2013

Plot: Big-wave surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau is an iconic figure in Hawaiian sporting culture.

But until ESPN commissioned ‘Hawaiian’ as part of its 30 for 30 series, his story remained largely unknown outside his community and hardcore fans.

The documentary not only tells the story of Aikau’s inspirational life but ties it closely to the centrality of surf culture in the island life.

Director Sam George knew the importance of the project. “We were really under pressure—if we didn’t get the story right, we could never go back to Hawaii again.”

What the critics said: “ESPN couldn’t have premiered a more restorative ’30 for 30′ documentary if they had planned it.” (Huffington Post)

Random YouTube comment: “I’ve known the story since I was little, but it didn’t stop me from tearbending at the end.” (xxhypnotic)

Watch it in full here:

YouTube Credit: DeeeKeee420

See more of our Sports Film of the Week series here >

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