Farewell Andy Irons 1978 – 2010
I committed some time and effort into preparing these pages in memory of champion surfer Andy Irons, who passed away tragically last week.
Below is a story of the Bells Beach Memorial Paddleout, which happened last Saturday. I’ve also included a Youtube video of the event and a photo gallery.
There are also two galleries of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2007 finals, where Andy Irons come runner up to Taj Burrow. The first gallery contains photos taken at the time of the final heat between Taj Burrow and Andy Irons. I did a quick walk around during the final heat to capture the moment from as many angles as posible right through to the final presentation of the Bells. The panorama at the bottom of this page is one of the results of this effort. To view gallery click here.
The third gallery is of Taj Burrow lifting the Bell above his head as Andy Irons covers him in Fosters Beer. To view gallery click here.
Nicholas Soames
Hundreds gather at Bells Beach to pay respects to Andy Irons.
Todd Rosewall, Jew Rowley and Cahill Bell-Warren carry flowers and Rip Curl Pro bell down the famous stairs at Bells Beach.
Photo: Liam Robertson/SurfingVic
100 local surfers formed a circle to show their respects for Andy Irons.
Photo: Liam Robertson/SurfingVic
by Surf Victoia
Saturday 6th November 2010
A hundred local surfers paid their respects at Bells Beach today to surfer Andy Irons who tragically died during the week in the U.S.
A hundred surfers gathered in the water, with many more lining the cliffs, to form a circle and place flowers in the water.
As per surfing tradition, flowers were thrown into the middle of the circle and the water was splashed making for an emotional experience for all involved.
Irons had an affinity with Bells Beach after taking out the Rip Curl Pro contest at Easter in 2002 and 2003.
The event was organised by local surfers Jeff Rowley, Cahill Bell-Warren and Todd Rosewall less than a day before.
Rowley was amazed with the turn out on such short notice.
“Its something that means a lot to many people, so it was great to see so many people come at such short notice”
“Andy is such an incredible surfer and it shows how much of a hero he was to so many people”
Bell-Warren was equally as impressed with the turnout.
“This is such a great example of the unity of the surfing community”
“In less than 20 hours we were able to get over 100 surfers down to the beach to pay their respects to one of surfing’s greats”
“Its such a humbling experience for all that were involved”
The event was coordinated with many other paddle outs around the world including the Gold Coast, Perth, Bali and California.
Youtube
Tribute Galleries
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Bells Beach FarewellSaturday 6th October 2010 A hundred local surfers paid their respects at Bells Beach today to surfer Andy Irons |
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Andy Irons wins the Little BellBells Beach Rip Curl Pro 2007 |
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Taj Burrow Raises the Bell with some help from Andy IronsBells Beach Rip Curl Pro 2007 |
Bells Beach Location Map
Andy Irons surfing in the finals of the Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro, 2007. Photo: Nicolas Soames
