He walked up to the window leant down, looked in and said "Hi, I'm Andy Irons". That was 2007 and I was driving to Mundaka. Since then I've had the pleasure of witnessing his brilliance on the ASP World Tour. I never got to see him in his peak, but the Andy flair was there. He stepped off in 2009 for a break and 2010 saw him making a comeback with his first win in three years at Tahiti. The wave where he stands shoulders above the rest.
Yesterday given the chilling news that Andy Irons had passed away stirred up emotions making my moms passing away so very fresh once again. That was 14 August, the day my world came crashing down. Yesterday, 2 November and it feels the same all over again. I cannot call Andy a friend, I don't have that pleasure but I am certain had I made the effort or attempt to befriend more than photographing him on the World Tour we would have perhaps enjoyed a cup of tea and exchanged more than the few words we did. The times at Jeffreys Bay paddling past asking what if his wave was any good or what the score was, each time frozen in awe. He was only two years older than myself yet being in his presence you felt the aura of a hundred year old legend.
A memorial paddle out was held to show the respect and honor of one of the greatest competitors to grace professional surfing. Rest in Peace Andy Irons.
The ASP World Tour photo tribute can be viewed here.
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