RIP - Andy Irons (24.07.1978 - 02.11.2010) - Photo: Cestari/ASP
Already two days into the event and so much has already happened. The 2ndof November marks the anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest surfers of our time, Andy Irons. We remembered this day by having a dawn paddle out before the contest start. The surfers and close friends of Andy came together in the water we formed a circle with white roses in hand. Then out of nowhere a curious seal popped up in the middle of the circle to say hi; it’s amazing that at any of these paddle outs there is always a dolphin, a rainbow or even a seal that seems to come out and join us during these solemn moments. In a strange way it is comforting. I said a prayer with everyone and we held a minutes silence for AI. It was a peaceful experience.
Andy Irons Paddle Out (L to R - Johnny Gannon, Abe Andrews, Taj Burow, Mick Fanning, Travis Logie & Kai Otton) - Photo: Nate Lawrence
Then the contest started. The energy in the air leading up to Kelly Slater’s heat was intense. Kelly had to make his round 3 heat to clinch his 11th world title. Dan Ross, Aussie surfer from Yamba, NSW, was keen to make Kelly earn his win.
Dan Ross and Kelly Slater show some pre heat good sportsmanship - Photo: Kirstin/ASP
Rossy started the heat strong with 7.70 and backed it up with a 6.70. Kelly was looking for hollow waves to try and score big; however with the higher tide and wobbly sweep it was making it tricky to find the quality barrels that we had seen earlier in the day.
Dan Ross in Form and putting up a good fight against the champ - Photo: Cestari/ASP
Kelly managed to sneak out a frothy barrel scoring a 6.0, then Kelly quickly found a left which enabled him to unleash with some fierce backhand turns giving him a 7.53. Leaving Slater only needing 6.88 to take the lead. Kelly in the last 3mins of the heat found a right hander which enabled him to open up with a flurry of turns. He finished the wave strong and was awarded a 7.60 and finalised his 11th World Title. Now Kelly Slater will be known as KE11Y.
Kelly Slater on his winning wave - Photo: Nate Lawrence
There was much celebration to follow and while there is still many heats left of this event it seems as though the party is over for 2011. Everyone is starting to think about 2012 and the possibilities of a new world champ. And in the grand scheme of things there will always be winning and losing, there will always be champions, competitors and contests. But with the life and passing of Andy still resonating in our hearts and minds, the value of our time with each other is so much more important than all of this.
KE11Y - Photo: Nate Lawrence
This scripture gives me comfort and inspiration through this. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life: & I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Psalm 23:6
Abe
