A rare surfing competition has been held in Hawaii as waves reaching 40 feet pounded the north shore of Oahu. Thousands of people have gathered on beaches and cliffs to watch the world's greatest surfers tackle the waves. It is only the eighth time in 25 years that the Eddie Aikau competition, named in honour of a celebrated Hawaiian surfer and lifeguard, has taken place. The contest is only held in the most extreme surf conditions and last took place in 2004. Organisers had been watching weather and wave conditions in the seas around the US state and announced early yesterday morning local time that the competition willl run. People have travelled from around the world to US state to watch the event.