An Ode to Andy Irons

Andy Irons was one of the greatest surfers of our generation.  At just 32 years old, and only weeks from the birth of his first child, he was taken from us.

November 2nd, Big Tuesday, was a strange and dark Day for Hawaii.  I personally almost died twice, the most intense of which was getting ripped by currents that dragged me over a mile out to sea.  Andy didn’t fare so well.

He left a Rip Curl surf contest in Puerto Rico because he had serious flu like symptoms.  He never made it home; he was so ill that he got off the plane for his connecting flight in Texas and he passed in a hotel room in Dallas on the way back to Hawaii.  He had contracted Dengue Fever, which is currently at levels of an Epidemic in Puerto Rico.

For those who may not be aware, Andy Irons is a Hawaii born surfer, and is considered to be one of the best in the world.  He is the only surfer that managed to put a real dent in Kelly Slater’s reign of championships; Andy  beat out Kelly 3 times for a world championship, something that no one else was able to accomplish in our generation.

His example shows us that we should live our life in a way that has us fighting for our dreams.  Andy may have passed before his time, but he accomplished more in his 32 short years than many do in a lifetime.

Rest in Peace Andy Irons, and may your legacy continue through your child.  Thank you for showing us what living a life of dedication and passion can accomplish. 

Everything that happened on Dark Tuesday made me think a lot about the delicate balance of life.  Andy Irons was a true champion in every sense of the word, and in death he becomes legend.  You will be missed, and always remembered.

To Living The Life of Adventure,

Aki Wood: MLM Genius
Phone: 858-345-4891
Email: aki@akiwood.com

Tags: adventure, aki wood, andy irons, dengue fever, epidemic, hawaii, kelly slater, legend, puerto rico, surfing, surfing legend