The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau big-wave surfing contest is on alert for a possible day of competition tomorrow or Tuesday at Waimea Bay.

Wave-face heights are projected to be in the 40- to 50-foot range, which would meet the requirement to run the prestigious contest.

"Seven, eight or nine," contest director George Downing said, referring to Dec. 7, 8 or 9. "It's gonna happen one of those days."

"The Eddie" can run only on a day when wave-face heights are at least 40 feet at Waimea Bay.

Because of its strict standards, the contest has been completed only seven times in its 25-year history. The last time it ran was December 2004, when Kaua'i's Bruce Irons won it.

Only 28 big-wave surfers from around the world are invited to compete each year. This year's list includes the Irons brothers (Andy and Bruce), the Keaulana brothers (Brian and Rusty), Kelly Slater and Sunny Garcia.

Officials still need to monitor the swell consistency and wind direction before giving the contest the go ahead to run.