UNASSUMING as he was, Andy Irons, would probably be shocked by the outpouring of grief over his untimely departure. Almost universally fans and pro-bros have chorused one thought, "he inspired me".
Yesterday the World Tour surfers paddled out at the Rip Curl Search in Puerto Rico to remember their brother with fans from across the world united in shock and disbelief, paying tribute however and wherever they could. Andy always had more time for his fans than the media so here are just a few of your tributes.
R.I.P. Andy Irons! You are now in the sky where a God deserves to be, but we will really miss you down here. willsurfing
Thanks Al,for inspiration in the surf at Ulus. Hormat (respect) 'n rest in peace. Saudara Andy (brother Andy) from the Ulus Boyz. HSP-BALI
Wherever he is now I'm sure he's inspiring someone with his insane skills like he has to me for my entire life. RIP. Beach Monster
Thank you, Andy, for everything you have done for my surfing, and other surfers in NJ when you blessed our shoreline with your presence. My absolute condolences for the Irons family. My heart is heavy for your loss. andsowedrifttogether
The ASP World Tour surfers paddled out to pay respect to one of their own ... Gone but never forgotten.
to a complete legend who will never be forgoten, and all my deepest sympathy to go to his family and friends, surfing will not be the same with out you bro, let the waves keep coming.
It's difficult to believe Andy Irons has passed, under tragic circumstances which didn't involve a wave of consequence. I pay my respect by saying, he was an inspiration to all who surf. Of course I didn't know Andy at all, however he is one of the top five surfers who have done so much for the sport and motivated me to surf as often as I can.
i hope brucey can turn his focus on winning the title next year. he was driven only to beat his brother but he can beat anyone in the water at any given time. just needs a good reason and i hope for him this might be it. its no consolation but i know i would cheer him on.
God had a purpose for Andy and he fulfilled that purpose 100 times over. The surfing world mourns the loss of Andy.The power of one man bringing the world together during this sad time is incredible. He touched all of us, those that knew him and those who admired him, in many ways. He will never be forgotten. His spirit and legacy will live forever.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this very sad time. However, his spirit will live again. That in his unborn child. The world awaits, the world will rejoice and the world will be here waiting and welcoming with open arms.
So long Andy, travel well. Until next time we meet. R.I.P
All of us here in Warner Beach, South Africa will be doing a paddle out on Sunday morning as a tribute to Andy. Please join us those who read this.
Cheers
There will a paddle out today 05/11 at Kuta beach Bali, if you are around come and join us, for more info about take a look here www.indosurflife.com/surfnews/352-andy-irons-paddle-out-at-halfway-beach-kuta-join-us.html
we lost a worrior, a man that went for his goal with no thought of failure.. a role model for all use groms growing up. a man that Inspired us all.. a young man with a family! i only knew him as the man that if i made it to a heat he was in in knew i was doing good!! beacause he was the one of the best surfers in the world and my role model.. RIP ANDY
I only knew Andy through photos, interviews and videos. But it was enough to see the greatness of a man who cared passionately about everything he did. His loss to his family and friends is huge, but even to a stranger like me, it feels like we have lost one of our special family, that the sea has lost a friend.
Will be sitting out back waiting for a set this weekend.
I really cannot believe this has happened, everyone was so happy a couple of days ago and now anytime i see his name anywhere i just cant understand why this would happen. RIP Andy will never forget the amazing battles vs Kelly!
Andy Irons will be missed so much. It makes me feel so sad that fact that he is gone and it makes even sadder when I think about the way he passed, alone. If he would have died charging a 25 foot wave it would have been worthy, but it is so ironic this whole thing. He deserves all the respect from all the true surfers around the globe. This event should be an example of life appreciation to all those people (Me Including) who complaint about things that really don't make sense. We could go anytime, anyplace, anyhow. I will go this weekend to charge some waves in his memory. RIP Andy!! I know you're in a better place.
You never know how much you really respect and look up to someone until they are gone. And hell did i respect him! He was truly an inspiration for all surfers everywhere, we can see this by the diverse range of comments. Everyone has been greatly impacted by this very sad loss. You were the man who proved Kelly wasn't unbeatable! You did the impossible and more mate! I think i shall to go for a surf tommoro in your name. Every wave i catch i will push my self to become better. And if the perfect set rolls in i will sit back and give you the honors mate. So many people are going surfing tommoro in his name. its truly inspirational. I only hope that your family can read all these great heart felt comments and show how much Andy was loved and respected! When ever im out surfing i will always think of you big man :)
Want to write something but still in shock. It should never happen to someone so young with so much to live for. My thoughts are with your family. RIP.
RIP ANDY IRONS. My heart goes out to his family and friends. This was so unexpected. RIP from Holland, Germany and France. We can`t understand it :-( .
With you go a good man from this world. the world will miss you ANDY!
yip, tommorow forcast is spot on. i will spare a thought or two for Andy and his family. i am not one to get emotional when people i dont know die. couldnt understand the outpouring of grief for Diana, but it is sad. at least he can say he had a great life.
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