Some of you may know that I had a fleeting career in the surf film industry a couple of years back, basically at the height of the Kelly/Andy contention, and one thing was for certain... you could either LOVE or HATE Andy Irons. It was black and white and nothing in between - but no one, that is NO ONE could or would deny he was a sensational surfer. The Kelly V Andy war breathed a new air into competitive surfing and pushed not only those two surfers but the entire surfing community to new levels. They were desperate to beat each other, and everyone was desperate to beat just one of them. Surfing went ballistic, competitors went ballistic, fans went ballistic and corporate sponsors had a field day.
Some of the raddest and most epically inspirational surfing occurred during that time. Surfing for honour and glory and the sheer desperation of coming out on top. And that's not to take anything away from the surfing that preceded or followed that era as I know that every heat is surfed with a passionate desire to win. But this was deep-seeded and vengeful and I dare say we will see rivalry to match theirs for a very long time... if ever again.
Andy was amazing - cutting edge, revolutionary and brilliant. He knew what he wanted and surfed his arse off to get it. There was a insatiable hunger for prestige in him that many may not have liked.. however most couldn't help but admire. I know its cliche, but this is definitely a life cut too short. It is a sad sad for surfing and my sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and the surfing community. Andy, you will be surely missed.... but never, ever forgotten. LT
