[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 151 (Thursday, November 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING SURFING LEGEND ANDY IRONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2010

  Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to surfing 
legend Andy Irons, who passed away suddenly on November 2 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 tides and four Triple Crown tides. Currently ranked 16th 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, 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.

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