Why Do Ocean Pros Trust Vaer?

Luke Shepardson Shares His Thoughts

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May 12, 2026 7:01pm EDT

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When we started Vaer, we set out to build watches for people who live and work in challenging real-world conditions. Few embody that ethos better than Luke Shepardson.

Luke cemented his name in surf history in 2023 when he won The Eddie Aikau Invitational, the most prestigious big-wave contest in the world, only called when waves reach 40+ feet, while on duty as a North Shore Lifeguard. He stepped off the podium and went right back to work.

We first connected with Luke in early 2024 through our partnership with Hawaii's North Shore Lifeguards, and he’s since become an official Vaer ambassador. Over the past few years, our watches have barely left his wrist. When The Eddie returned in 2025 at Waimea Bay, he wore it through the entire contest.

Another year later, we're proud to continue our partnership with Luke and share a fresh round of images (shot on the North Shore) that capture our watches doing exactly what we built them for: holding up in some of the most demanding ocean conditions on earth, on the wrist of someone who wears them every day.

As a humble, hardworking father of two, we’re honored to keep telling Luke’s story.

- Ryan Torres & Reagan Cook

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Why do ocean-pros trust Vaer?

"I've put these watches through everything—big days at Waimea, full shifts on the beach, weekends with the family. They just keep going, and they always look and feel great. To be honest, the only time I’m not wearing one is when I’m sleeping."

- Luke Shepardson