Team News

Andy Irons Interview: Ironing out the creases

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 June, 2009 : - - As I paddled out at Pippi Beach in Yamba a few weeks ago a surfer flew past me and, as I turned to watch from behind, launched himself into the air. Was that Andy Irons? I wondered.

Three times I paddled towards him after catching a wave but each time, before I was close enough to say hello, he caught another wave. Meanwhile, I’m wondering what to expect when I finally catch up with him. I knew he had issues with burn-out last year before dropping off the tour. I knew he had a rep for being ultra competitive – as portrayed in Blue Horizon – and I knew he’d copped plenty of criticism for receiving a wildcard into next year’s World Tour.

Then there were the rumours doing the rounds on the net, painting him as a not so nice guy who was ungrateful for the life he leads. Some of the blogs were downright nasty. I suspected that most of what was written was rubbish, but I also expected that talking to a journalist would be the last thing he’d want to do.

Finally, I introduced myself and asked if he’d let me interview him for the local paper – he graciously accepted my request. We shook hands and arranged to meet two days later at the Angourie Boardriders comp, where I talked to a reflective, friendly, open and relaxed Andy Irons.

What brings you to spending time here in Yamba?

I’m spending time here just to get away from everything. I’ve been home in Hawaii and in the summer time it’s pretty small, there’re not many waves and I’ve always wanted to spend time on this part of the coast in the off season. I got the opportunity this year to do it. I’ve jut been trying to take advantage of going to as many places that I wanted to go to after the last 12 years of travelling.

How long are you planning to hang around here for?

I’m looking for a good month. I’m settled in. I’ve always gone to places for like 10 days and you don’t really get a full feel for a place, I’m always getting ready for the next trip. Where I think with a month you get a chance to unpack, settle in and get a routine. I’ve been here for a week and it’s been awesome.

Hopefully you’ll get a few waves while you’re here.

It’s been really fun already, it’s got such good variety, you couldn’t ask for much more.

You were pretty burnt out towards the end of last year. I read your Surfline interview and it was pretty honest from your point of view.

Yeah (laughs) I just tried to tell what I’m going through and what I’m doing. I definitely hit a pretty rough patch and…

Check the Full Andy Irons Interview

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About Morrison Media: Morrison Media is a unique and progressive publishing company. It’s been Morrison Media’s continued commitment to all areas of quality and service that has enabled the company to grow as it has since 1985 when it started with Australia’s Surfing Life Magazine.  Morrison Media is Australia’s leading independent action sports publisher with over ten titles across print, online and multimedia. 

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