Start "The Eddie" watch tomorrow.

The holding period for the prestigious Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau contest begins tomorrow.

The unique one-day event can be held only on a day when wave-face heights are at least in the 30- to 40-foot range and rideable at Waimea Bay. The contest can run any day between tomorrow and Feb. 29, 2008.

Four spots were added to the field of invited competitors this season, bringing the total to 28.

For the first time, invitations were extended to surfers from Asia, South America, Africa and Europe.

Representing those regions are Takayuki Wakita of Japan, Carlos Burle of Brazil, Jason Ribbink of South Africa, and Ibon Amatriain of Spain.

Sixteen Hawai'i surfers are in the field this season, including defending champion Bruce Irons of Kaua'i.

Irons won the contest in December 2004 — the last time conditions were good enough to run the event.

Because of the strict standards for the contest, it has been completed only seven times since it was formed in 1986.

HUBBARD BROTHERS LEADING USBA TOUR

Kaua'i siblings Jeff and David Hubbard are atop the standings of the United States Bodyboarding Association's 2007 national championship tour with one event remaining.

Jeff is ranked No. 1 in the men's pro division. He has won three of the five contests held so far, including the Rosarita Beach Pro at Baja, Mexico, earlier this month.

Hawai'i bodyboarders take up the top six places in the national rankings. In order behind Jeff Hubbard are Spencer Skipper, David Hubbard, Jacob Romero, Rex Moribe and Jonah Romero.

David Hubbard is also ranked No. 1 in the drop-knee division, which is for competitors who ride with a one-knee stance. He won the drop-knee division at the Rosarita Beach Pro.

Jeff Hubbard is ranked No. 2 in the drop-knee division.

The final event of the national tour is the Maui Ledges Pro at Kahului Harbor, Dec. 13 to 23.

EDDIE AIKAU INVITED FIELD

Andy Irons (Hawai'i)

Brian Keaulana (Hawai'i)

Brock Little (Hawai'i)

Bruce Irons (Hawai'i)

Carlos Burle (Brazil)

Clyde Aikau (Hawai'i)

Darryl Virostko (California)

Greg Long (California)

Ibon Amatriain (Spain)

Jamie O'Brien (Hawai'i)

Jamie Sterling (Hawai'i)

Keone Downing (Hawai'i)

Jason Ribbink (South Africa)

Kelly Slater (Florida)

Makua Rothman (Hawai'i)

Mark Healey (Hawai'i)

Michael Ho (Hawai'i)

Noah Johnson (Hawai'i)

Paul Paterson (Australia)

Peter Mel (California)

Ross Clarke-Jones (Australia)

Rusty Keaulana (Hawai'i)

Shane Dorian (Hawai'i)

Sunny Garcia (Hawai'i)

Takayuki Wakita (Japan)

Titus Kinimaka (Hawai'i)

Tom Carroll (Australia)

Tony Ray (Australia)

Reach Dayton Morinaga at dmorinaga@honoluluadvertiser.com.