Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono

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Washington, Nov 19 -

Madam Speaker,  

I rise today to pay tribute to surfing legend Andy Irons, who passed away suddenly on November 2^nd at the age of 32. A kama‘aina from Hanalei on the island of Kauai, Andy Irons was one of the sport’s most recognized athletes with three world championship titles, an accomplishment that no other male surfer from Hawaii has been able to achieve. In all, Andy won 32 professional surfing contests, including 20 elite Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour titles and four Triple Crown titles. Currently ranked 16^th in the world, Andy remains the highest-ranked professional surfer from Hawaii.   

Known for his powerful, fluid style and ability to excel in all types of surf conditions, Andy Irons was not only highly respected by surfers in Hawaii but also served as an ambassador for Hawaii and the sport as he competed in events all over the world. Andy always made it a point to mentor local surfers and promote the sport in Hawaii, including hosting the Irons Brothers Pine Trees Classic with his brother Bruce for up-and-coming surfers on Kauai over the past nine years.

Although he went on hiatus from competing professionally in 2008 and 2009, Andy made a comeback this year, winning the Billabong Pro Teahupoo in Tahiti in September. He was also expected to be a top contender in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing this month on the North Shore of Oahu, a three-event series that he won from 2002 to 2006.  

Andy is survived by his wife, Lyndie, who is expecting their first child next month; father, Phil; mother, Danielle; and brother, Bruce. In addition to the thousands of people who paid tribute to Andy at a memorial “paddle out” service at Hanalei Bay on the North Shore of Kauai on November 14^th, thousands of fans, friends, and competitors around the world held similar memorials in solidarity.  

Andy served as an inspiration to the people of Hawaii and to the surfing community around the world. He will be greatly missed.