Kaua‘i’s five professional surfers on the ASP WCT Tours all have one thing in common: They don’t mind coming back home to see friends and family. And they even catch a wave or two at their favorite spots on the
Kaua‘i’s five professional surfers on the ASP WCT Tours all have one thing in common: They don’t mind coming back home to see friends and family. And they even catch a wave or two at their favorite spots on the island.
Here’s a glimpse of Kaua‘i surfers on the pro circuit:
Andy Irons
Nicknamed “A.I.,” the former three-time world champ was born July 24, 1978. He still resides in Hanalei and is a natural-footed surfer.
He stands 6-feet-tall and weighs 170 lbs. Irons’ sponsors include Billabong, Von Zipper, Red Bull, Amp’d Mobile and Dakine.
His primary board shapers are JS and Chilli, and he generally throws four to six of their 6’2” or 6’6” creations in his boardbag.
Irons’ favorite waves roll in at Pinetrees and Backdoor. He’s most amped on surfing when he’s getting barreled.
When not in the water, Irons plays tennis and golf, or watches television.
He isn’t married, but he’s hopelessly in love with his girlfriend Lyndie, who also lives on Kaua‘i.
Pottz, Occy, Dorian and Sunny are his inspirations in the water.
Bruce Irons
Andy’s younger brother was born Nov. 16, 1979, and still resides in Hanalei.
Bruce also is a natural-footed surfer who is 5-foot-10 and weighs in at 165 lbs.
His sponsors include Volcom, Local Motion, Arnette, DC, Body Glove, Red Bull, Dakine, Nixon and Amp’d Mobile.
Bruce’s primary shaper is Wade Takorro and his favorite wave is Pipeline.
Getting barreled and doing airs are his favorites when in the water. Fishing and riding motocross take up most of his free time.
Bruce isn’t married, but he has a girlfriend named Mia.
Roy Powers
Roy Powers, the newest Kauaian on tour, is in his rookie season on the ASP WCT Tour. He was born July 1, 1981, stands 6-feet-tall and weighs 170 lbs.
The regular-footed surfer is sponsored by O’Neill, Town and Country Surfboards, Arnette, Dakine and Wolfpak.
His primary shaper is Glen Pang and his favorite waves are at Pinetrees in Hanalei.
When not surfing, Roy can be found golfing or checking out girls.
Shane Dorian and Taylor Knox are his favorite surfers.
Rochelle Ballard
Affectionately known as “Roachy,” Ballard was born Feb. 13, 1971. She currently resides on O‘ahu but comes back to Kaua‘i when she can.
Ballard is once again putting on a girls surf camp this summer at PK’s in Po‘ipu. She’s 5-foot-1 and we’re not going to say how much she weighs. (My mother taught me to leave that one alone.)
Ballard is sponsored by O’Neill, Channel Island Surboards, Reef, Honda Waverunner, South Bay Toyota and Nukumoi Surf Company.
Her primary shaper is Al Merrick and her she usually travels with a 5’7”, two 5’9”s, a 6’0”, a 6’3” and a 6’6.”
Ballard’s favorite waves include HT’s Backdoor, Lani’s, Lance’s Rights, Teahupoo and Trestles.
She enjoys getting barreled or doing roundhouse cutbacks and floaters when out on the water.
Ballard’s favorite surfers are Lisa Anderson, Megan, Keala, Andy, Bruce, Kelly, Chels, Melanie Bartels and Sofia.
She’s also interested in photography, journalism, cooking and guitars.
Rochelle is single and loving it
“Girls’ night out, anyone?” she said.
Keala Kennelly
Nicknamed “KK,” Kennelly was born Aug. 13, 1978, and currently resides on O‘ahu, though she comes to Kaua‘i often.
She stands 5-foot-6 and is sponsored by Billabong, Spy, Converse, Spyder, Toyota of S. Bay, Urbandecay, Island Style and Vestal.
Ian White is her primary shaper, and her bag consists of anywhere from 5’9” to 6’10.”
Keala’s favorite waves are at Teahupoo and Pipe.
She’s most amped about surfing when she’s doing aerials or getting barrelled. Andy and Bruce Irons are her favorite surfers.
Kennelly is also interested in deejaying, music, dancing, art, food and fashion.
Keala isn’t married, though she’s taking applications.
• Information from www.aspworldtour.com.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
