Surfing at a young at Pine Trees in Hanalei is where Andy Irons perfected his craft age, but even today, the 3-time defending ASP (Association of Professional Surfers) champion still practices at the spot where it all started. Yesterday, Irons
Surfing at a young at Pine Trees in Hanalei is where Andy Irons perfected his craft age, but even today, the 3-time defending ASP (Association of Professional Surfers) champion still practices at the spot where it all started.
Yesterday, Irons made some finishing touches at Pine Trees, as he heads to Tahiti to challenge the world’s best at the Billabong Pro Tahiti World Championships, which runs from May 5-17.
Even the local youth surfers, Bear Bailey and Sebastian Zietz, both took full advantage of their idol and managed to surf with the world’s best boardsman.
Awaiting the Irons’ Brothers, will be perhaps one of the heaviest waves ever surfed.
Tahiti’s Teahupoo is a radical left hand barrel that is capable of instilling fear into the most capable of surfers. In recent contests and high-profile towins have shown the world visions of its flawless barrels that are as thick as they are tall.
The world’s top 45 men and top 17 surfers, including Kaua‘i’s Rochelle Ballard and Keala Kennelly, will battle in their respective championships at Teahupoo. In 2000, Andy won the trials and his brother Bruce followed suit in 2001.
Last year’s Billabong Pro winner was CJ Hobgood, but back in 2002, Irons conquered the Tahitian waves on his way to the WCT win.
The first place victory at Teahupoo, would give Irons 1,200 needed points in the race for the world title. At the present Mick Fanning and Trent Munro are aread of Irons in points.
“As far as a title run goes, winning at Tahiti is huge, it’s the most respected spot on tour,” said Irons. “I am definitely going to be going there looking for a result and anything less than quarters I will be pretty disappointed. It is the win that everyone wants it’s a really nice trophy and at a spot that everyone respects. Winning would be massive, especially to get my confidence on a flow and carry it on for the rest of the year.”
