Surfers collide at Eddie invitational

Two professional surfers have clashed boards while trying to catch a wave at the elite Eddie Aikau surf invitational in Hawaii.

Hawaiian surfers Makua Rothman and Kala Alexander collided on day one of the prestigious event, the first held since 2009.

The world’s leading surfers, including Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian and Ross Clarke-Jones are taking part with invitations only open to the best big-wave surfers.

Brazilian surfer Dainlo Couto left the crowd and commentators in awe when he rode one of the biggest waves of the first round.

The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is only held when rideable waves are consistently above 12-metres high in Waimea Bay on Oahu Island.
The event was only given the green light yesterday, having been called off two weeks ago.

The 2016 event is only the ninth time the competition has been held since it began 31 years ago.