Lifeguard and big-wave contest winner Luke Shepardson coming to South Bay, San Clemente

Lifeguard Luke Shepardson, who made national news following his win at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surf contest earlier this year, will be coming to the mainland to accept a prestigious award in the South Bay and a day later talk about the major feat in San Clemente.

Shepardson, a Honolulu lifeguard who was on duty when he won the big wave contest, will first stop in Redondo Beach to accept the “Meritorious Act Award” at the United States Lifesaving Association’s board of directors meeting on April 27.

Then, the now-famous lifeguard will travel down to San Clemente on April 28 for a “role model” event with the San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Guard Foundation to talk about his time as a lifesaver and big-wave surfer, with a showing of the film “Big Wave Guardians” following his discussion.

The 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational surf contest held at O’ahu’s Waimea Bay on Jan. 22 brought out the world’s best surfers to compete at the event that had not been held since 2016, when two-time world champion John John Florence won the contest. The big-wave event only happens when waves are upward 20 feet.

Shepardson was an unexpected winner against the world’s top big-wave surfers and it was a storybook ending for the on-duty lifeguard, who won while on his lunch break and got back to work after accepting his award.  Shepardson is the first Hawaiian lifeguard to win “the Eddie.”

The United States Lifesaving Association’s award recognizes Shepardson’s accomplishments because he is the “embodiment of a modern day waterperson and public safety professional,” said Peter Davis, president of the USLA, a  nonprofit association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers.

“Luke has brought attention to the lifeguarding profession and his accomplishments have highlighted the value of open water lifeguards to public safety around the world,” said Jay Butki, recently retired Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Rescue boat captain and paramedic.

Shepardson will then travel to San Clemente for the open-to-the-public San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Guard Foundation event being held at sock and apparel company Stance’s headquarters.

“The whole world is just enthralled by Luke’s story,” said Greg Hulzier, president of the San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Guard Foundation. “A lifeguard, he can’t get the day off, so he works it out with his captain to get time off to surf his heat. He wins the contest and then finishes his shift, which is amazing.”

The San Clemente foundation holds regularly host role models and has had many inspirational speakers, such as former champion and author Shaun Tomson and local pro surfers such as big-wave surfer Greg Long and the Gudauskas brothers, Pat, Tanner and Dane, to discuss their lives and inspire the next generation of lifeguards and surfers.

“We just said we have to bring him here so the community can hear from him about his passion and his respect for Eddie Aikau,” Hulzier said. “He’s such a humble guy, yet so passionate and in his own way, driven to excellence. What a great role model.”

The big wave contest in Hawaii pays homage to Aikau, the North Shore’s first lifeguard, who it is said in the ’60s and ’70s saved more than 500 people throughout his career.

Following the San Clemente discussion, there will be showing of the film “Big Wave Guardians,” which showcases the gnarly job of lifeguarding the North Shore. Its screenplay was written by San Clemente surf author Jim Kempton.

The movie includes an interview with San Clemente surfer Hayden Rogers, a young teen national champion who was rescued on the North Shore following a surfing accident a few years ago.

Hulzier said it will be a great night for ocean enthusiasts of all ages.

“Today in our world, there’s so much going on. For a story like Luke’s to break through all the noise that’s happening and be such a shining example of someone who is dedicated to making sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day,” Hulzier said. “Lifeguards don’t care about being rich or famous, they care about making sure people go home at night. For the community to see that selflessness and concern, that’s such an important message for all of us to receive.”

Those ages 16 and under are free to attend, adult tickets are $15. Proceeds from the event going toward San Clemente junior lifeguard scholarships. Pizza will be served.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. April 28 at the Stance headquarters at 197 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. For more information and to get tickets, visit scljgfoundation.com