Name: Andy Irons
Nicknames: A.I.
Hometown: Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii
Age: 32 (dob 24 July 1978)
Stance: Regular
Sponsors: Billabong, Von Zipper, Monster Energy Drinks, Kustom Footwear, Nixon Watches and DaKine Accessories
 
If someone said to you sum up Andy Irons in 5 words what would spring to mind? ‘Surfer, winner, aggressive, party-animal and dropout'?  Or, would ‘surfer, winner, wise, grateful and inspiring' do the trick?  Andy Irons has blazed an interesting trail over the years in the surfing world, and he is continuing to do so with his recent return to both the ASP's dream tour and his winning form.



Born and raised in Hawaii Irons has had one of the best surf training grounds in the world on his doorstep.  Perfect barreling waves over rock and reef were the norm for this superb surfer growing up, and it has always shown in his surfing. Turning heads after winning the ASP's junior world title when he was 17, Irons quickly ascended to the World Qualifying Series but had to wait until 1998 for his rookie year on the dream tour.
 
Irons is infamous for his rivalry with 9 times world champion Kelly Slater.  Back in 2002, 03, and 04 it was Irons that kept Slater from claiming more world titles.  Even piping Slater to the post in 03, where Slater had to settle for 2nd behind the untouchable Irons.  Things have sense cooled between Slater and Irons, especially after making the surf film “A Fly in the Champagne”, however that doesn't stop the temperature rising in the water when they meet in heats.  Just look at the tense semi final heat at the Billabong Pro Tahiti between them last week when Irons defeated Slater 13.57 to 10.26 points.



Over the years Irons has had something of a party animal reputation, often partying for days after winning elite tour events or gaining another world title to his belt.  However, there is now a softer more mature side to the world champion.  He got married in 2007, and took a year's sabbatical in 2009 from the tour.  
 
The year off caused quite a bit of controversy as Irons was granted a dream tour wild card by former ASP president Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew for 2010.  Irons wouldn't have to do the hard graft of re-qualifying through the World Qualifying Series. However, if there were any doubts as to whether the right decision was made Irons would have silenced them with his win in Tahiti.



So now everyone is wondering with Irons return to form, whether Irons can gain momentum and make a challenge for another title.  Since his event win Irons has been propelled into spot 7 on the tour rankings, but when asked about it he maintains that he's happy to be surfing well and isn't going for a title.  Quite the change from the aggressive surfer of former years.  Who knows, maybe we've only seen the beginning of Irons' career?
 
Watch how Irons does at the next stop on the tour at the Hurley Pro Lower Trestles at www.hurley.com/hurleypro that starts tomorrow.