Not very many people follow professional surfing, but the sport recently suffered a huge loss. Last November 2nd, Andy Irons, a three time world champion died from a freak viral infection called dengue fever. He was only 32 years old, recently married to a wife who is expecting their first child. Tragic. It would be for any family, but this guy was a HUGE talent in the world of surfing, and a gracious, humble guy, that always took the time for a smile and a handshake with a fan.
My family and I happened to meet him, by chance, on the North Shore of Oahu. We were out there for a little surf trip/vacation with close friends, and one night we decided to go into Haleiwa for dinner. We ate a nice little restaurant with delicious food, and nice big fruity drinks. It was a good time. My wife spotted Andy Irons on another table, and told me to go over there and ask if he'd take a photo. He was with his brother Bruce (whose an amazing pro surfer in his own right), and a few other pros. They looked like they were enjoying a nice meal with friends and family too. My buddy and I, felt like it would be an intrusion, but my wife insisted to the point that I knew there was going to be a problem if I didn't go over than ask to take a photo of her with him.
So I went over there and introduced myself and told him about my dilemna and he was as friendly as could be about it. Ironically enough, the only photo that actually came out was a dark pic of my buddy, my son, and I posing between Andy and his brother. Since then, I watched waves of his from around the world. I've also watched him surf a few heats while working zero tower on the pier over the years, and even though he was a contestant at the US Open (a large surf contest on my beach that we help operate) I never bumped into him again. But man what a lost talent.
Sorry to ramble, but tomorrow my son and I are going to attend a paddle out in his honor. A paddle out is a ceremony that surfers hold for each other. They paddle outside the line up and create a circle in the fallen surfer's honor. Roses, wreaths, sometimes photographs and other mementos are floated in the middle of the circle. Usually people say few words in their honor and then there's a moment of silence before it breaks apart. Normally, I don't really attend these things, unless I at least knew the person. But I'm going to go tomorrow simply just to pay my respects. Not just because I was a fan of his surfing, but because he took the time to take a photo with us when he didn't have to. I think taking the time to paddle out in his honor at the beach I surf practically everyday is the least I could do.
Anyway, here's a link that does a nice job of piecing together some of his waves and moments in his life. Enjoy. He was a lot of fun to watch. RIP Andy Irons | 1978-2010.
http://www.surfline.com/video/premiu...orgotten_49783
