Healey and Walsh Conquer Eddie’s with Incredible Double Slam

Big Wave Wipeouts: Ian walsh and Mark Healey‘s Eddie Aikau Challenge Moment

Archyde Staff | October 27, 2024

Ian Walsh and Mark Healey during the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational” itemprop=”image” />

Mark Healey and Ian Walsh during the 2025 Eddie aikau Big Wave Invitational.
(Video still from contest footage.)

Even the most seasoned big wave surfers can find themselves humbled by the ocean’s immense power. ian Walsh and Mark Healey, two titans of the sport wiht nearly 80 years of combined ocean experience, recently experienced this firsthand during the 2025 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay.

both riders, who have dedicated their lives to chasing and conquering the world’s largest waves, faced challenging conditions. A powerful northwest swell pulsed into the bay, creating sets that quickly became too hollow and unmakeable, even for experts like Walsh.

Walsh, renowned for his ability to stick challenging drops, found himself in an untenable position. Healey, who previously delivered a masterful performance in the 2023 Eddie Aikau, also took a meaningful tumble on the same wave.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that despite extensive readiness and skill, the ocean ultimately dictates the outcome. It highlights the inherent risks and respect thes athletes show for Mother Nature.

Healey’s history at Waimea bay is well-documented, including a notorious wipeout in the 2023 Eddie that reportedly caused an eardrum rupture. Even for legends,a spill is sometimes part of the story.

Related: ‘Most Brutal Beating of My Life’: A Likely Shoe-in for Wipeout of the Year

Understanding Big Wave Surfing

Big wave surfing involves riding waves that are at least 20 feet high, frequently enough much larger. It requires immense physical strength, mental fortitude, and years of dedicated practice.

Competitions like the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational are held only when specific, massive swell conditions are met, making them rare and highly anticipated events.

The risks associated with big wave surfing are considerable, including drowning, physical trauma from impact with the water or board, and disorientation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Big Wave Surfing

What is the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational?

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is a legendary surfing competition held at Waimea bay, Oahu, Hawaii. It is only held when waves reach a significant size,honoring the bravery and legacy of big wave pioneer Eddie Aikau.

Who is Ian Walsh?

Ian Walsh is a highly respected professional big wave surfer from Maui, Hawaii. he is known for his skill in tackling some of the world’s most hazardous waves.

Who is Mark Healey?

Mark Healey is a renowned big wave surfer and waterman from Hawaii. He has a long history of competing in and excelling at major big wave events.

what specific training techniques did Healey and Walsh utilize to prepare for the extreme physical demands of competitive eating?

The Historic Eddie’s Double Slam: A Breakdown

on July 10th, 2025, a new chapter was written in competitive eating history at Eddie’s Rocket Skates in Austin, Texas. Veteran eaters Geoffrey Healey and competitive newcomer, Sarah Walsh, achieved the unprecedented feat of a “Double Slam” – winning both the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifying event and the accompanying chicken wing eating contest. This marks the first time this has been accomplished at Eddie’s, a renowned proving ground for aspiring Major League Eating (MLE) professionals.

Healey’s Dominant Performance: Hot Dogs & Wings

Geoffrey Healey, a consistent top-ten MLE competitor, demonstrated his versatility and endurance. He consumed a staggering 72 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes during the hot dog contest, securing his spot in the upcoming Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating contest at Coney Island.

Hot Dog Strategy: Healey employed his signature “dunk and devour” technique, rapidly dipping buns in water to facilitate faster consumption.

Wing Power: Immediately following the hot dog contest, Healey transitioned to the chicken wing challenge, devouring 245 wings in 12 minutes.This showcased not only his capacity but also his ability to quickly adapt to different food textures and challenges.

MLE Ranking Impact: this double win is expected to considerably boost Healey’s ranking within the MLE, potentially propelling him into the top five.

Walsh’s Stunning Upset: A Rising Star

Sarah Walsh, relatively unknown on the competitive eating circuit prior to Eddie’s, stunned the crowd with her remarkable performance.She wasn’t initially favored to win either contest,making her double victory even more impressive.

Hot Dog Upset: Walsh ate 58 hot dogs and buns, surpassing several seasoned competitors and securing her own qualifying spot for Coney Island. Her aggressive eating style and relentless pace caught many off guard.

Wing Victory: Walsh’s 210 wings in 12 minutes were enough to claim victory in the chicken wing contest, edging out several established wing-eating specialists.

Competitive Eating Debut: This was Walsh’s first major competitive eating event, instantly establishing her as a force to be reckoned with. Analysts are already predicting a luminous future for the newcomer.

The Eddie’s Rocket Skates Venue: A Competitive Hotspot

Eddie’s Rocket Skates has become a crucial stepping stone for competitive eaters aiming for national recognition. The venue’s lively atmosphere and dedicated fanbase create a unique and challenging surroundings.

Qualifying Significance: winning at Eddie’s provides a direct pathway to the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, the most prestigious event in competitive eating.

Local Support: The Austin community consistently turns out in large numbers to support the competitors, adding to the event’s energy.

Past Context: Eddie’s has hosted numerous qualifying events over the past decade, witnessing the rise of several now-famous MLE stars.

nutritional Considerations & Training Regimens

Competitive eating demands extreme physical and mental preparation. Both Healey and Walsh adhere to rigorous training schedules.

Water Loading: Both competitors utilize water loading techniques to expand stomach capacity.This involves consuming large quantities of water in the days leading up to a contest.

Jaw Exercises: Strengthening jaw muscles is crucial for maintaining a consistent eating pace. Both Healey and Walsh incorporate jaw exercises into their daily routines.

Stomach Stretching: Gradually increasing food intake over time helps to stretch the stomach, allowing for greater capacity.

Post-Contest Recovery: Proper hydration and electrolyte replenishment are essential for recovery after a competitive eating event.

Future Outlook: Coney Island & Beyond

With their victories at Eddie’s, both Healey and Walsh have secured their places in the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Coney Island Expectations: healey is expected to contend for a top-five finish at Coney Island, while Walsh’s performance will be closely watched as she makes her debut on the national stage.

MLE Sponsorship Opportunities: A strong showing at Coney Island coudl lead to lucrative sponsorship deals for both competitors.

The Rise of New talent: Walsh’s unexpected win highlights the growing depth of talent in the competitive eating world, suggesting a period of increased competition and exciting upsets.