Words and photos by Robbie Warden.

On Sunday November 14 2010 at Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai thousands gathered to mourn and celebrate the inspirational life of Andy Irons.

Tributes on street corners, at the front of houses, under trees, on the beach, displayed the island’s aloha for Andy with flowers, signs, surfboards and pictures remembering the champion he was.

Friends, family and people who had been impacted by Andy’s 32 years on earth came together and bid farewell to their brother, son, husband, father, friend and surfing inspiration at Pine Trees beach, Hanalei Bay.

Andy’s younger brother Bruce and wife Lyndie, poured Andy’s ashes into the water off a double hulled canoe sided by his parents Phil and Danielle and surrounded by the mass of friends as a helicopter dropped flowers over the crowd as tears and cheers for Andy flowed.

The celebration went into the evening after music and tributes from Andy’s friends including speeches from Occy, Parko, Mick Fanning, Reef McIntosh, Kai Garcia, Corey Lopez, Kala Alexander to name a few, told of his positive energy and lust for life, love for family and passion for surfing. It was the most magical day at Hanalei, may Andy Irons Rest In Peace.

Words and photos by Robbie Warden.