Andy Irons Giveaway
Justin Cote
- January 27 2009
- 390 comments
In celebration of the new issue featuring Andy Irons and Kelly Slater ripping the lid off their intense rivalry on a tropical island surrounded by perfect surf, we present the biggest giveaway ever in the history of TransWorld SURF…
We’ve done big and amazing giveaways in the past, but this one is the ultimate and features not only a huge prize package of Andy’s favorite gear (pictured is the actual prize, yes, that’s an un-waxed 6′2″ Xanadu with AI’s name scribbled on the bottom), but also comes with the surf trip of a lifetime to Kandui Resort in the Mentawais (10-11 days accommodation for two; airfare not included)!
To win, tell us in 150 words or less how the union of Andy Irons and Kelly Slater can progress the sport of surfing.
The winner of the giveaway will be announced March 1, 2009. Put your answers in the comment box below, make sure to leave your email, too.
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January 27th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Put simply, Kelly and Andy are two of the world’s best surfers. Surfing has always been about pushing your friends to surf better. By bring Kelly and Andy together in a wave soaked tropical paridise, surfing progression is unavoidable.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
We now step away from the rivalry hype that fuels both of them and see them going on trips together speaking about finance’s, family, etc… Take the preasure of these guys and make them true friends, look out! It’s going to progress more now then ever, it’s in the mind of the beholder and these guys rock… They will always want to beat eachother, but now they relax (more Andy) everyone will want to see that!
January 27th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
To have a friend is to look for the best in him, and then help that best into his fullest expression… Its like a karmic thing: a path for all of us to follow with every fellow surfer. The only kind of progress there is.
P.S. Please disregard sweepers and spongers, ha!
January 27th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Since Andy and Kelly are together now in a (civil?) union, they are going to adopt and raise a baby who will become the greatest surfer ever.
January 27th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
the joining of andy and kelly will not only show off some of the greatest surfing talent in the world but it will show what surfing as well as their relationship is really all about…respect. respect for the ocean, respect for the sport, and respect for each other.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
This is almost as good as, if not better then Obama throwing the shaka at the presidential inauguration. This will truly do wonders for surfing world and it should be exciting to watch these two in the near future.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
They will merge into one person to become “Andy Slater” the ultimate 12-time world champion surfer. He will show the world what REAL surfing is. He will be unbeatable.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
that was a nice
January 27th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Andy and Kelly will forever be rivals, even as friends. They will surf more together at the best spots around the world. They will continue to push each other’s limits and surfing abilities to the edge and forever raising the bar of surfing. When one of them sees the other do something amazing, he will try to do something better. The world of surfing will follow them in their footsteps.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Lately, everywhere I go there are surfers out that are so wound up, that it seems that they don’t even surf to have fun, which is what surfing is all about. Hopefully, with this rivalry put to a halt, that surfers will realize that surfing isn’t about catching the most waves or being the best, its about going out and having fun. Let’s also hope that this inspires people to just hang loose.
email: sandseeker@sbcglobal.net
January 27th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
oh, I misread this one… the title said AI giveaway - I assumed you were talking about his career.
January 27th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
I don’t know if “can” is the right word since they already have progressed the sport more than anybody to date. Full legend status for both guys. Now enough ass kissing and give me the trip.
January 27th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
kelly and andy are such great surfers i think together they could set the bar even higher than what they already have. and take the art of surfing to a whole other level. it would be pretty crazy
January 27th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Surfing is all about the stoke. It’s great that Andy and Kelly are finally putting aside their selfish grudges and working together. Simply, fighting is not chill, and does not spread stoke, and it also takes away from the real reason people surf - to have fun! Sure, the WCT is fun to watch and all, and competitive surfing makes our past-time more widespread to the public eye. Why can’t we all be good sportsman? Surfing is fun, and I’m sure both of them were having so much more less fun. Andy quit the tour for a reason - it’s not surfing - it might as well be football in the ocean! I just have to say that them combining their skills and stoke to make a magazine article will pass 100 times more stoke than they ever will fighting at the tour.
January 27th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
What’s better than a gnarly rivalry such as Andy and Kelly’s is the good that comes after they make peace. When they were rivals, it pushed the sport of surfing because they pushed themselves to the limit, trying to be better than the other. Now that they’re cool with eachother, it’ll push the sport of surfing in a different perspective. It’ll show the brotherhood that comes from surfing. The companionship of sharing the stoke with someone you once considered your rival.
January 27th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
The union of Andy and Kelly allow the spectators a unique chance to witness their competitiveness without jersey’s or the fear of them not sticking a manuever they otherwise wouldn’t have gone for in a contest. It reminds people that in the end its not all about points, but traveling to sick locations with your mates and scoring epic surf. Not to mention everyone’s gonna have a sick vid to watch come March 15th!
January 27th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Simply put, not a damn thing!!! Every sport needs rivalries and having the most visible and best one in surfing can only help the sport. The simple fact is that when you have someone who is pushing you. It can only bring out the best in you. And when that happens, surfing is elevated to different heights. So, the lovefest needs to stop and someone needs to push Kelly because no one else is going to.
January 27th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
For Andy and Kelly to be able to, at the end of the day, have a beer together - that shows the true surfers mentality. Not only that but it means that they’ll surf together more often and in turn they’ll push eachother more. Also, with two of the top surfers in the world being friends, I have to say that someone’s gotta step up to them and push the limits of the sport higher.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
If you look at the first synonym for “Rivalry” it’s “Competition.” If you take the rivalry away from Kelly and Andy that creates a void for competition. And that void will have to be filled by other surfers - other surfers who may have thought that they haven’t had an chance yet. No longer is the WCT Andy Vs. Kelly, it’s Andy and Kelly vs. the world. This will push the rest of the tour to a higher level because, as everyone knows, competition breeds motivation and with motivation these guys have unlimited potential.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Andy Irons and Kelly Slater coming together is a progression for the sport of surfing because it shows people every aspect of the sport, instead of just the endless shredding that is, more often than not, considered to be the sole definition of surfing. Surfing is much more than looking cool and slinging chicks. Let’s face it, if we wanted to look cool, we’d be playing basketball and driving Lamborghinis. But we’re not. We’re driving beater cars and going to work in flip flops. We go out and get skunked session after session because it’s better than sitting at home watching football, and in the end we’re just happy we got to hang with our bros in the lineup. Now that two of the most watched surfers in the world have come together to be stoked in friendly competition, surfers and non-surfers can now view surfing in its entirety.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
It’s simple. When I surf with my friends that rip it pushes me and I progress. When the two best surfers in the world surf together the sport progresses. It really doesn’t matter if there best mates or competitive enemies as long as they are pushing the others limits cause then surfing as a whole is pushed. Thats what is most important to the rest of us. Chicks only care about man love and feelings and all that crap. I just want to see what’s next and have my mind blown by progressive surfing. To me thats inspiring.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
These two recognizable men will try in any way to progress the sport of surfing. We all know they shred and the truth is that they are influencing many people out there and its working out. These guys like to make competion and push limits to get better. Thats the love of the sport and to see them join together, its great. Both of them are passionate about this and i think that surfing will make its way to the top and to others as well.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Webster Dictionary defines Union as an act or instance of uniting or joining two or more things into one. Honestly, from reading everything I have and not knowing exactly their relationship it seems as if they were always united. It was our minds that couldnt put the two best surfers together; it just didnt seem right. I think us finally acknowledging this union is huge. Its going to push surfing by showing us that their can be a good competitve nature. It doesnt have to be a blood bath out there. Its business in the water but back to family on the beach. Also when you have the two best surfers in the world UNITE, what else could be better?!
January 27th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Who needs 75 words? AI + Slater = A lot of bummed Aussies.
January 27th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Kellandy? Never! Such strong characters (or should I say brands?) will never merge! But let one of them become goofy, send them to point breaks only and we can watch best action in every direction! Let them push the limits of surfing even further, we wanna see creativity! Get the competition on, let them throw sharks at each other and have a good fresh beer together after a perfect day of out there!
January 27th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
You hang loose while the rest of us catch waves because surfing is about having fun while riding waves not just bobbing in the water taking up space talking about waves and injuries and chicks that never happened. Competition is healthy for the healthy and destructive for kooks. Thats why we all try to rip better than our friends. It keeps us young.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
To Stoke requires disrupting the present state of something in order to cause it to grow. So competitive friction can only do good for the sport and stoke the level of performance to a new level. In short, the abrasive nature of competition causes growth. By the way nobody was fighting they were just competing. The reason Andy pulled out of the tour is because he lost his competitive flame and will not return until it’s game on. Kelly is an abrasive to Andy in the best way possible. All this lovey dovey crap is for kooks you can’t even have healthy competition with there friends and want to pretend they can relate to something they are so detached from in the water.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
I just want to rip harder than my friends and they want to rip harder than me. I would say surfing friends look for the best in that person then try to do one better. And when you get out done you gotta give a hoot, cause you know you want one when your the one kicking it up. Thats Karma.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Hey imagine how much they can advance the gay marriage initiative. Two happy hippy soul surfers stroking each other with man love. Don’t be silly these two have already blown minds as rivals and when Any comes back it’s gonna be on and you better bet he’s gonna give Kelly a run for his money. Literally. Nobody made Kelly earn his title this year and Andy is the only one to prove he could beat Kelly on more than luck. So lets shy away from Pie in the sky nonsense and realize that when there in the water it’s on. No matter how good of friends they are. And Obama’s gotta do alot more than throw shakas to get me stoked.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
The emergence of the “ironater” will be epic to the world of surfing. Double-handedly, I think they can exhibit such ridiculously amazing surfing that they will end all life on earth as we know it and repopulate it with abnormally talented, bald groms. Ok, maybe not, but I think that several new things will come out of this duo. One, we will see these two riders using all sorts of board technology and diversifying the sport, unlike anything they have done in competition. Two, we will see some new curly tricks, possibly even a kick-flip. Lastly three, we will get a better look into these two influential surfers lives, getting to know and understand their motives and backgrounds. I leave you with this thought: Every surfer has a story, but, frankly, these two men have better ones than us.
January 28th, 2009 at 12:08 am
See, because of the little 75 word limit, I really didn’t get a chance to get into much detail. Obviously i don’t just bob around. What I really wanted to say is that people are getting way too uptight, and are making surfers look like punks. For instance, lately I’ve been seeing lots of bumper stickers and signs and what not that read: “If you surf, keep surfing, if you don’t, don’t start”. How can that possibly give someone a positive impression of surfers? It can’t. All I’m really saying is people need to ease up, stop being so serious, and be willing to accept new faces in the line up. That’s what keeps this industry alive.
January 28th, 2009 at 12:27 am
hey bro (thefuture), i totally agree with you, but just so you know it’s a 150 word limit, not 75, so if you get the chance you might wanna go back and rewrite your post. I think you’ve got a really good chance at winning (and making a really important point) if you incorporate your last post into your first one a little more. or you could always just bail on the first and submit the second, it speaks to what surfing really is (the whole unconditional acceptance and stoke and stuff)
January 28th, 2009 at 12:37 am
and just to clear up anything for you guys who keep pushing the competition side of it, i believe (as do most surfers, and i think thefuture would agree) that competition is imperative to the sport’s survival and growth. what we’re getting at is that surfing is about more than just competition, and that what surfing is really about is friendly competition, which is something a lot of people are losing sight of these days. it is definitely possible to have acceptance and competition at the same time, and that’s one of the basic principles that surfing is based on. ya sure, you usually need people to compare your surfing to in order to push yourself, but at the same time, for example, if you restrict your lineup to a small local clique because you feel they are the only ones good enough to compete with you, you limit the directions in which your surfing can grow and develop. we’re not pitching an end to competition, but rather bringing it back into focus as friendly competition that brings surfers together rather than driving them apart
January 28th, 2009 at 1:15 am
please disregard my first post
What I really wanted to say is that people are getting way too uptight, and are making surfers look like punks. For instance, lately I’ve been seeing lots of bumper stickers and signs and what not that read: “If you surf, keep surfing, if you don’t, don’t start”. How can that possibly give someone a positive impression of surfers? It can’t. All I’m really saying is people need to ease up, stop being so serious, and be willing to accept new faces in the line up. That’s what keeps this industry alive. With two of surfings top names “easing up”, hopefully that will send a message to the younger generations that its not about the fame, or the money, or the competition, its about the fun of the sport, the rest is just a bonus.
sandseeker@sbcglobal.net
my official post, didn’t realize that it said 150 words, and could’ve sworn that it said 75
January 28th, 2009 at 1:56 am
You kiddin me the Andy and Kelly feud is what blew up the surf industry. Before this feud, I remember nobody gave a shit about surfing. The line ups weren’t crowded as it is today. Now days you see a lot of kooks putting a bunch of billabong or quiksilver stickers on their board flocking to every major break to get media attention. Maybe the union of kelly and andy will make surfing lose its appeal which is better than those of us who appreciate surfing before it got all the kook got into it.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:25 am
I think the whole rivalry thing wasm a little overhyped. Mainly because the media made what they could out of it. I’ve always wanted to see these two go on a surf trip together because that would be bad ass. I think when we see the video, we will see some of their best surfing because that’s what comes out of them when they are together. What’s better then watching the two best surfers in the world shredding empty surf together.
January 28th, 2009 at 9:48 am
This Union will result in a Mushroom Cloud of Progression. Mushroom clouds form when masses of hot gas rise rapidly into turbulent vortices. Eventually reaching altitudes where debris drawn upward from the ground scatters into a harmful “Fallout”. Contrary to previous, surfing will benefit from the fallout that is a result of Kelly and Andy’s explosive exchanges of the past. Surfers will reap the rewards of the new ideas and inspiration that will come about.
January 28th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I can’t explain how stoked I was to read the article regarding Kelly and Andy coming together on Kandui. It has been a long time coming for these two epic surfers. On a small level these two settling differences shows young and old surfers that the pure root of surfing can settle the utmost conflicts. On a much larger scale I hope non-surfers can see how two rivalries can be settled peacefully. I know it isn’t relative to waring countries, but it may demonstrate mature reasoning and diplomatic ideals to others who feel they could never “bury the hatchet” with a significant threat. Let this be valuable lesson to all - there is always light at the end of the tunnel. For world leaders and professional athletes.
January 28th, 2009 at 11:52 am
haha “ironater” thats sick
January 28th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
WHAT THE HELL HAPPEN TO THE 75 WORDS OR LESS!
January 28th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
When you have two of the most competitive surfers in decades winning world title after world title you are bound to have very intense competition. First, Kelly being the most decorated surfer as we all know, then comes Andy to throw his aggressive style to challenge and win against Slater to take world titles in down to the wire finals!
Kelly and Andy are two surfers that will challenge one another to make surfing a better sport by enhancing competitive surfing. Each person must be pushed by someone or something to improve and Kelly and Andy know what it takes to win in very challenging conditions.
Sending Kelly and Andy off for a freesurf trip together will most likely go down in history as one of our lifetime best documented surf trips.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
thats what i said haha
January 28th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
The union of Andy Irons & Kelly Slater will progress the sport of surfing, because what didn’t work for Biggie & Tupac, will work for surfing. Is Blair Marlin Suge Knight? Hell no. So instead of losing two talented people to media fed rivalry, we get to see them truly bloom as an athlete once that hate is love. If you think they surfed good thrown in the gauntlet together. Wait until we see them stress free having fun in perfect right-handers. The Kelly & Andy show will keep pushing the sport of surfing into the future, but this time around instead of feeding media dollars, it will be inspiring 12 yr. old kids.
Word!
January 28th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
From opposite sides of the earth(although similar lattitudes like the great pyramids of the earth), these two embody between them all that is natural, progressive, and inspiring about surfing. Andy has been known to emote freely and show the world how passionate he is, go Andy, don’t hold back champ! That is why you have raised the bar.
The fire is lit in you and Kelly has and will stoke it.
Kelly Slater has transended the boundries of the sport with a diplomatic style that is a blueprint for athletes. Respect for self, the sport, the elements, and his competitor. He is our best ambassador and best competitor. Don’t hold back champ!
Undoubtedly, these two compliment each other while each inspires the other to dig deeper and push beyond.
Your differences are your biggest contribution to the rest of us. You both possess a wizardry forged in water and speak to the wildest side of the wildest child and to the deep hidden soul of the shyest of us. Andy the warrior, Kelly the Wizard. Let the boards not swords swing!
January 28th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Like JACK and COKE, RED BULL and VODKA.. Each one on it’s own enough to STIMULATE, EXCITE, and INVIGORATE the mind and senses… Put them together and ‘voila’, you have a lethal dose of EXCITEMENT, raising the bar of CREATIVITY and PERFORMANCE to levels unknown…
Reach for the SKY… The limits are as high as the STARS, especially the 2 shining bright right here on earth.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
GAY
January 28th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Slaters approach to surfing relies on being consistent and doing the most technical maneuver possible on every wave. Andy’s approach is more based on radical maneuvers with steez like he is not trying… Slater tries too hard , Andy surfs like he’s not trying.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:11 am
Here we go again, then:
To have a friend is to look for the best in him, and then help that best into its fullest expression.
Both share a genius alignment with the ocean and a mastery of the most beautiful act on earth. Well, that and twelve world titles
Their unity is a prophecy: the impossible is possible when they out surf each other, not when surfing against one another.
Neither have anything to prove, especially by stacking up more trophies…
That being said, progression goes back to wave riding basics: the freedom of being and letting surf happen.
Peace
January 29th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Two of the greatest competitive surfers of our generation united? Now that’s something. This is like Kobe and Shaq settling their differences. What these guys have in common is that without these rivalries these guys wouldn’t be as explosive at what they do, however to be on topic I think this union will progress the sport because surfing is about being stoked. Whether surfers compete or not, what they have in common is to catch great waves at great locations and psyche each other to ride the best waves and progress. Like they say, only the surfer knows the feeling.
January 29th, 2009 at 3:35 am
nobody will ever win free stuff outside of the US boys..
sorry
January 29th, 2009 at 3:51 am
The December 2006 Transworld SURF ranked Andy vs. Kelly as surfing’s greatest rivalry. It may be the most hyped rivalry of this decade but the 2003 Pipeline Masters is a powerful example of how emotional it really was. Andy just decided to take a break from competition to be with his family and free-surf. Before his decision was released, Transworld revealed the “trip of the decade”. The photos and trailer of the documentary gave me a sense of how profound an impact this union will have. Chris Cote summed it up pretty well; “When the world’s best surfers surf the world’s best waves, the world takes notice and our sport grows by leaps and bounds.” When the two most progressive and influencial surfers, with or without a jersey, share a memorable experience of epic surf in Indo, you can bet the young guns come to realize what surfing is all about!
January 29th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Aaaahhhh,
they could get married?
just kidding….ever sport seems to think they need a good guy,
bad guy rivalry…to make it more interesting…kelly good…Andy bad or so that is kind of how its been portrayed…i meet andy once and he could not have been nicer….these to guys are what competitive surfing is all about…they need to have a 2 out of 3 grudge match (no real grudge since their friends) somebody pony up the $$$…and have them have a surf off…indo would be a good spot…show how competitive they are but show how good friends they are in the process…winner gets to shave the other guys head……ahh never mind kellys bald already…pay-per-view so you acutally see it on your super sized hd tv and it would be not the internet crap you normally have to watch..surfs 2 to 3ft and crappy im out there…..c-ya
January 29th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Surfing is about sharing stoke, when stoke is shared among friends it amplifies, stoke is exponential. So the more people share their stoke vibe the higher the intensity. Thus the two riders with the most stoke in the world being able to vibe in harmony will bring together epic sessions, that we can all admire from our homes, classes and offices here in the real world. I can’t wait to daydream.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Super freak Anly Slirons pulls in switch-foot at macking Teahupoo, does revert superman airs on knee-high slop at Sebastian Inlet, and in the same day goes on tour with President Obama to promote world peace with such dashing good looks and charisma that even The Pope proclaims surfing is the one and only savior. This ultra-athlete travels the world and shows grommets and salty sea dogs alike how the flow is unified throughout and soon enough even the local book club is busting kerput flips and rodeos. All the while his combined intellect will be enough to convince Obama to “bailout” the surf industry with $10 billion worth of r&d money for new boards, clothes, trips, and gear. As a result surfing flourishes and takes over futball (and football) as the world’s number 1 sport. That is how they’ll progress the sport of surfing.
January 29th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
kaboom !!!andy and kelly the most inovative surfer’s of the last decade,what they can do is blow each others minds become friends and by doing that they can improve there surfing ,either of them has nothen to prove so go out there and freesurf and come up with new lines ,board design and fin design two intelligent himan beings for the love dudes thanks for inspiring me and my kids respect .
January 29th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Andy is Tupac!! and Kelly is Biggy!
January 30th, 2009 at 12:18 am
haha, totally! Andy wears his emotions a little more out on his sleeve like Tupac, and Kelly lets his talent speak for itself. Both are amazing…
Who shot ya?
January 30th, 2009 at 4:21 am
The rivalry between Irons and Slater is one that has transcended surfing from a weekend hobby to a respected sport. In nationally recognized sports there have been great rivalries, Ali and Fraser, Yankees and Red Sox, USA and Russia. Well all knew how good Kelly Slater was but it wasn’t until the man from Kauai, Andy Irons came into the picture, were we able to actually realize Kelly Slater’s greatness. I was fortunate enough to witness the 2006 when Andy came back from a combo situation to take down Slater and win the Pipeline Masters and the Triple Crown title. I have been to a Superbowl, a Stanley Cup playoff game, but neither had the same energy, intensity, or anticipation as the four competitors stood on the beach about to enter the water. If Kelly didn’t have Andy, he may never have had the motivation to win 9.
January 31st, 2009 at 7:19 am
Simply put, what this union means is that Kelly and Andy get more publicity. Both surfers have been featured heavily in the mags as of late. Andy’s got ads coming out of the woodwork, kellys got brand new merrick models ready to hit the market place. Both surfers stand to make out finacially from this union. I tough economic times its a win for them to come out and be buddys, not to mention the fly in the champaigne dvd. Thanks to all this you guys get to do a great giveaway. So in short Kelly and Andys coming together might land me a free trip to rifles!!!
February 1st, 2009 at 8:11 am
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.” The Bible offers an insightful look at friendship in the book of Ecclesiastes. The progress that these two men have made in the world of surfing is astounding; but, after uniting these two, only God knows what these two can achieve. If anything to come out of this event, I hope that Kelly and Andy push each other not only to become better surfers, but to become better people. Even God smiles down upon the uniting of Kelly and Andy.
February 1st, 2009 at 11:36 am
This union will bring focus back to getting along with who you’re in the water with, and enjoying the ocean.
February 1st, 2009 at 4:08 pm
kelly and andy are both great surfers, you either like one or the other, rarely both. i think they will accually have to give something back to their communities together, start a foundation, or get something going that will make a difference in the world in general. just because they went on a surf trip together doesnt do anything. it doesnt effect anyone but themselves. the only way it would effect surfing and progress it is if they discovered how to make surfboards more affordable for the real surfers, the guys who work a shitty job to support a family and a surfing life. not the guys who ride a mctavish 10 foot long board during the summer on the weekends if they can find a hour or two for a surf. they should get huge beach clean ups so that we can stop global warming and surf long enough to progress the sport more with our youth.
February 1st, 2009 at 10:17 pm
The joining of AI and Slater will not only show off some of the greatest intovative surfing talent in the world, but it will show what surfing is really about…respect. respect for the ocean, family, sponsors,sport, and respect to the surf legends who have brought them to this level of surfing.Andy and Kelly will forever be rivals, even as friends, but will always have respect for one another.The world of surfing will follow them in there footsteps.These two surfers will always be known in the history books as legends of our generation…..
–sean p.
February 1st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
its my dream to go shred at the kandui resort.i have about 900 $ towards a ticket somewhere right now to…been saving up for somewhere goood.
yeeewwww..stoked
hopefully this story brings the economy up a bit. thanks for the opertunity
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 am
Kelly and Andy’s magical love tour at Kandui will do nothing to help progress PROFESSIONAL surfing. Yes surfing in general may get some new and bigger moves, and yes friends always want to be the best of their group. but enemies? they will do ANYTHING to beat each other. Think about when Andy was a dick and winning titles, him and kelly were ready to kill one another and it was incredibly exciting, and the title chase went down to the last few contests. look at these “friends” now. Andy quit the tour and kelly crushes everyone. somebody make these two hate each other again.
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
It cant. They need to remain rivals. The union of them will destroy the progess of surfing. Andy needs to find his stoke again and kelly needs to keep experimenting with different board designs. Seperately they will have a bigger impact on the pregression of surfing. Kellys view of surfboard design WILL progress surfing! Andys “comeback” will be HUGE.
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
9 x progression + 3 x progression = almost 2 decades of magic.
If these guys don’t represent progression please take MR and Tom Curren on this trip. Oh yeah… and take me too!!!
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:35 pm
It’s a big deal cause for people like me who love surfin and have a passion for it but basically never get to go, it keeps the passion alive and just makes it more fun to see the world’s best havin fun just chillin in the lineup and not gettin all uptight and personal and sayin “I’m the best”. There’s no tension necessary in the surfing world and should all just be for the love of it, not that competitive edge isn’t good. just that it can only be taken so far
Shoots-Tay
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:00 pm
The sport of surfing has always been about doing the best with what you got. What Kelly and Andy have “got” is literally a decade of the most progressive age in surfing under their belts, all while being rivals. Surfing’s also about passion; a passion for riding, a passion for the ocean, and a passion for your bros. If Andy and Kelly don’t show that, I wish you luck finding some people who do. These two powerhouses in the sport have accomplished so much apart that I’m dumbfounded when I think about what they can do together. I remember as a kid only knowing two pro-surfers names, Kelly Slater and Andy Irons; and we’re talking 8 years ago. Since then there influence has only grown and together they can inspire surfers, from groms to pros, to enjoy surfing for what it is: getting up, getting out, and getting to it.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:15 pm
The union of kelly and andy will bring out more fags out and kooks out into surfing that it already has. Look above and read some of the commentary. I can’t believe some of you think TWS will take you seriously with all your poetic innuendos of crap. If you were to say that in the lineup I’d be sure to be the first to false you!
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:32 pm
To be truthful I don’t think Andy and Kelly being friends is going to make such a big deal. Yeah it might be news to some people but the reason people surf and continue to progress has nothing to do with anyone else but that surfer. It might change the industry and give companies something new to advertise and sell, but as for surfing it’s a personal thing. You surf because you enjoy the stoke. The only thing that might change or should change is people should be pumped for each other. Maybe competitiveness is good because it makes you want to be better, but if surfing for you becomes all about being awesome then you need and ego check. Maybe Andy and Kelly being friends will show people what surfing really is, something that a community of people do because they like to stay stoked.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:43 pm
hahaha dude you’re a joke
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 am
Whats good for them is good for the sport. These guys keep the dream alive for so many. They seam like good persons. Thats what matters. Im no nostradamus, dont know what will come out of this. The truth is I just want to win the trip to the Kandui resort. Thanks.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:05 am
surfing is a chill lifestyle the best in the world if kelly and andy can stop arguing so can everyone else.
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:26 am
The union of kelly and Andy it’s just amazing, is like a super fusion between backdoor and teahupoo, a freaking wave with massive lip that goes right and left and a giant tube! It’s fuking awesome! Imagine what a hell of session they will do toghether! Maybe we will see the first ever tandem tube….or maybe it’s all fake and they still hate each other and made dispites all time long while they where in the resort.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:58 am
Every sport seems to have a rival these days. Including ufc ( bj penn is the shit), tennis, baseball, boxing, skateboarding, snowboarding ext. Having a rival makes the sport just way more fun to watch. Think back 15 years and look at what kelly slater has done for surfing. Now put the hot shot from hawaii in the battle and surfing is looking at its biggest war of the century. These two very competitive surfers fighting for the win now and mabye even years to come will enhance the surfing community forever! Let the games begin.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:48 am
It’s like Ali and Frazier spending a week as sparring partners! They have an enormous respect for each other. Kelly draws lines on a wave like they were planned out months ahead of time while Andy charges waves with a reckless abondonement. It’s about time the best rivalry in surfing went on a trip together without the jerseys on. The footage of these wave exchanges will probably blow our minds!
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
This rivalry is probably similar to the “Shaq vs. Kobe” rift which ended up being a marketing ploy.
Transworld Surf; you got got.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Slater is chuck norris and Andy is Bruce lee. Round 1 indo : FIGHT!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Andy & Kelly have been downplaying there rivalry for years. The media has blown the rivalry up to what is now, perceived hatred towards each other. But, why can’t friends be rivals? Kobe has Lebron and they don’t hate each other. Having the media accept the friendship will allow Kelly and Andy to show the world that being rivals doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. These are two of the most accomplished surfers in competitive surfing history as well as some of the best freesurfers on the planet. Can you imagine the sessions that will be documented now. Hands down they will be pulling moves that Dane or Julian could only dream of. Dont look to the younger generation for progressive surfing, its already here and they are SL9ER & A.I.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
They need to do for America!
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Shows the greatest battle of all time. The mainlander verses the islander. Shows the compeditive edge between them. How anger and frustrations can drive them. And in the end they are human, and its natural to be compeditive. And in the end they can be friends and be rivalres. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.. They drive each other and push each other.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Hopefully this will help the surfing world finally produce solid videos and grant surfers careers without competition. On the other hand…maybe this will allow them to create a new rivalry without jerseys on and put it on film. If we could see surf vids released that are as sick as all of the Rodney Mullen vs. Daewon Song skate vids than I think our sport would finally reach the point where it should be. I could care less what their last heat scores totaled, but I’m stoked when I see one of them pull off a new manuever or help revolutionize board design. This will progress the world of surfing.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:52 pm
ok kelly slater and andy irons. put it this way, I will tell you the strait facts that the world knowS.
andy iron is good, but he is a kook when he surfs trestles. I saw him fall on perfect left multiple times. thats not professional surfing!!! you dont get paid 650,000 dollars to be a kook!! and bruce Irons is just a pussy crybaby about the tour. I think the irons brother get paid way to0 much for what they do. THE OTHER FACT IS ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS KELLY SLATER FUCKING RIPS OVER ANYONE IN THE WORLD!!! THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY!! IT WILL BE A LONG LONG TIME BEFORE SOMEONE CAN DO THE THINGS KELLY HAS DONE!! LATER BIAAACH!!!!!!!!!
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:30 pm
cbwaterpolo3@yahoo.com is the email
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
We can see surf in it’s very own essence.
Above all the rivalry that put those two men together in the past, now we have the chance to see them sharing their sessions like you and I share with our mates. And like when surfing with friends, that we push for each other on almost every wave, we see now the two most competitive beings on the planet, pushing their skills, while sharing the ocean, without any judges evaluating them. In my opinion that’s an important issue when talking about surf progression.
Bottom line:
“if you can’t beat them, join them”
February 4th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Kelly and Andy have succeeded in reigniting an overall interest in competitive surfing and creating a demand for more people to pay attention to what is going on and tuning in to the webcasts specifically for their heats…
As the case in most competitive atmospheres where two great warriors square off face to face Kelly and Andy have morphed into there being a sense of “good” (Kelly) vs “evil”(Andy). The people who are drawn to Kelly appreciate him for being the most naturally talented surfer to ever ride a wave and a true ambassador of the sport in and out of the water. People who support Andy tend to root for the underdog who characterizes the up and down nature of the masses and enjoy the unpredictable nature and flair of his surfing…
With that in mind, yes, their rivalry and now apparent truce has has pushed interest in the sport of surfing to impressive new levels but in reality the true act of progression happens everyday, at every beach, every time a surfer paddles out (or tows).
Kelly and Andy will undoubtedly continue to push the limits of their surfing for many, many years to come whether they pursue competitive glory or not - but can their “union” progress the sport of surfing as a whole? We’ll see.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:08 am
they are two of the best surfers in history. by bringing them together what more could possibly happen? the surfing world only needs a cameraman to document this fantastic collaboration that should have been done years ago. surfing will go to the next level that only andy irons ad kelly slater can cater. This collaboration would surely ignite a global surfing sensation that would make the surfers watching it psyched and will grab their surfboards to go out and rip some waves.
February 4th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Surfing will progress with or without the AI/Slater bromance. All the young guns(AI and Slater included) will always push the boundaries as far as they can performance-wise. These two will always do battle in the water, freesurfing or competitively. It’s in their nature. What has changed? The surfing world has lost a huge headline/story rivalry, but you guys can bring another to the table. Didn’t you guys tell me that Jon Jon was running smack about Slater’s weak backside bottom-turn?
February 4th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
the union of kelly and andy is HUGE for the sport of surfing. Puttin their rivaly aside will inspire many people to focus on going bigger and better. With the pressure of the rivalry off their shoulders, it will also allow them to focus on pushing them limit, and going bigger, inventing new stuff, and perfecting the stuff they already know. If those two guys can perfect the stuff they know, and come up with knew stuff, then the surfing world would be that much more competitive, and Andy and Kelly will be impossible to beat.
February 4th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Ah the union of the two greats, well after Andy divorced his smokin hot rig of a wife, and Kelly decided that Pam, Giselle, or a 19 year old couldn’t fill a void in his life, the two exchanged nuptuals at Kandui resort and shared the honeymoon villa and root eachother like rabbits….The Union.. Great, how gay’s that they’ve probably been closet mates all this time they both smash it. Jimmy Slade is Jimmy slade and Andy likes to party so maybe Andy can put the party into Jimmy’s life. Dbah boardirders.
February 4th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
the joining of these two legends would be like uniting superman with jet li. you have got kelly slater who is the man of steel and andy irons is the guy with a million tricks. if these two were to join forces they could blend their styles and no doubt push eachother to new hights of godliness in the sport of surfing
February 4th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Please, Dude!! I got four kids… I need this!!
February 5th, 2009 at 12:21 am
The bitter rivalry was all you ever heard of Kelly and Andy i think it pushed them harder than ever to want to win. Every magazine article that came out said something negative and i don’t believe that it was like that. In fact i think if it wasn’t for the articles the rivalry wouldn’t have gotten so heated. With the union of the two surfers it will first off pull the bad rep from the two creating a better vibe essential for surfing. Also there won’t be so much pressure and the two will surf for FUN, therefore pushing their limits because they will get stoked when they see something sick instead of oh damnit I need 9.5 because he just got a 9.3. Now that the two have unified they can be living legends together and feed off each other to progress the sport of surfing.
February 5th, 2009 at 1:17 am
Kelly and Andy, surfing’s brightest burning on-fire athletes going at it trying ravage more waves than the other. Put these two wildfires together and you’ve got yourself one hefty cauldron of skill and talent ready to forge some surf insanity. Frustration leads us lose that amazing set wave or bog that rail on the drop. Now picture what these guys are letting go. No hard feelings just stoked to surf with an equal and pumped to pull into the crazier pit. Their best surfing is their free surfing (Trilogy and Young Guns) and now that they might start doing that together on a regular basis videos are going to get way more gnarly getting all us mortals pushing limits even more. We look to these guys for inspiration, two powerhouses feeding on each other for motivation can only mean wilder more gutsy actions for all of us.
February 5th, 2009 at 1:58 am
Kelly and andy are two of the worlds greatest surfers. First of all Kelly is so good it seems like he isn’t from this world. And Andy has been creeping on Kellys back for so many years. They have seriously been going head to head for the past ten years. And even though their still friends out in the water its like Shwartsinager vs. Stalone you never know who in the world is going to win because their are just both so flippin amazing. They are making so many groms get stoked on surfing that a lot of them are starting to rip so much harder, for instance Kalohe Andino, that kid is what 13 and he’s doing air reverses every day like eating a piece of cake. I think that they have revolutinized surfing in way that some people cant even imagine. Some non-surfer would look at a magazine with kelly or and on the front and it would be a huge air or just another day out at backdoor. They would say that was crazy, then he would show his friend then that guy would show his friend etc.
But seriously Kelly and Andy are the best surfers in the world as of today. They have made the biggest impact on the surfing culture. Like with kelly having 9 world titles. Thats amazing he is the first human to ever do that, thats down right brilliant if you ask me.
February 5th, 2009 at 9:13 am
The burying of the hatchet between Kelly and Andy can only lead to good things in the world of surfing simply because the knowledge base and experience these two have individually is more than any surfer around. If they share anything with each other, any little secrets or tricks, their game will improve. Likewise our game will improve by watching them and emulating them.
February 5th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Now that the media confrontation is over, they will finally put all their energy into surfing. Andy now has no pressure since he’s off the tour surfing with Bruce and Kelly will be super hyped on his number 10 championship. They’re still great rivals and always be even if the “fight” is over. Every sport has its rivalries and it’s what contributes to the progression of every sport and Andy and Kelly were a huge influence on the progression we are seeing right now by the kids and i’m sure they’ll still be for years to come,
Straight up legends brah !!!
February 5th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
They should team up! Kinda like Ace & Gary of Ambiguosly Gay Duo fame! They could shift into the roll mode 69 positon and just steamroll the competition! Think of it-no one could stand up to their combined surf prowress! Fanning, Hobgoods, Bede, Parko, that Jihad dude, whoever- would just get knocked down like bowling pins!! BOOM!!! They would be unstoppable! Unless Cote puts down that baby at night and gets some sleep-then look out!! Just jokes for all you online aggronaut super fans; don’t get your panties twisted. Nothing but respect for the champs…Can’t wait to see the footie from the trip. Sounds like a treat to have been able to witness these two legends making amends and schralping some solid waves…
February 5th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
uuugggh..creeping up his back? Hey Fruity McGayTard, this ain’t Queer Eye for the surf guys…
February 5th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
total! Hey Moonbeam-shut up and put down the bong!
February 5th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
F-In Brilliant!! I would say send this monkey to Kanduichopsuey, but it sounds like he already lives in paradise. Closet mates!!! I love learning some streuthin’ new ozzie. For real though, don’t hate ’cause Fanning only had one in him, Parko’s got none, Dingo’s a dingo, Rasta’s is riding an ironing board and Taj is prolly sucking down a Toohey as we speak. YANKS MATE! YAAAAAANKSSSSSS!!!!!
February 5th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Kelly Slater and Andy Irons are the two most amazing surfers the world has ever seen. Putting them together in an island pumping with perfect surf there is no telling what could happen. Surfing is about going out, having fun and pushing each other to go bigger and get better. When we put them together we are going to see this sport progress beyond anyone wildest imaginations. When they push each other to go bigger and get better, they are going to do thing we have never thought possible.
Surf_Addiction@cox.net
February 5th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Kelly Slater 9 time world champion. Andy Irons 3 time world champion. Kelly Slater 5 in a row. Andy Irons 3 in a row. Their accomplishes speak for themselves and THEY’RE AGING LIKE WINE. The union between the two will only cause them to surf together more and create a feeding frenzy unkown to mankind. Two of the greatest surfers in the world pushing eachother rather than outcompeting eachother. Enough said, the outcome is obvious…progression. Along with progression comes influence… period.
February 5th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
as iron sharpens iron, so must men sharpen men, & slater.
February 5th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Samson killed 10,000 Philistines with the jawbone of an ass; we lose the same amount of friendships everyday using the same tool. Throughout Kelly and Andy’s so called rivalry they have really been helping each other become the champions they are, and laying the path for others to follow. If you plant ice you’re going to harvest wind; plant friendship and we will harvest love, honor and respect. We paddle out because we love the ocean; we keep it clean because we honor the ocean, and stay humble because we respect the ocean. We carry these values in our free surfing already, it only makes sense to carry them into our competitive surfing, and being carried by mankind shall be the true progression. Kelly and Andy are leading the charge, but don’t worry because success leaves clues.
February 5th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. I think I just shed a tear. That was…beautiful. Beautifully GAY!!
February 5th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Kelly and Andy are both rippers. Kelly may have won more titles, but andy style just amazes everyone! they push and push more and more to both improve their surfing. they really have a big impact on this generation of surfing. once rivals, and now good friends, its great. im only 13 years old and my dad and i would love to go on a surf trip. it get kids stoked when they see two rippers such as kelly and andy come together.
thanks for your time TRANSWORLD SURF!
February 5th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Kelly and Andy have finally showed what surfing should be about. Surfing should not be about rivalries; but about stroking out with your friends and having fun. To quote the great Gerry Lopez, “The best surfer in the water is the guy having the most fun.” With this in mind, and reading the article and checking out the pictures from TWS, it is easy to see why Kelly and Andy are not just the best surfers in the water, but the best surfers in the world.
February 5th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
The union of Andy and Kelly will be great for surfing. They both set a huge example for groms and adults alike. Them coming together and burying the hatchet will bring back the brotherhood and friendliness that surfing has begun to lose. For the last few years, the media has placed so much hype on the rivalry that they were made to look like the biggest of enemies during the tour. That mindset influenced a lot of surfers looking up to them. Kids in the water lost that feeling of having fun catching waves with their friends and made it so everyone in the water was their enemy; free surfing or contests. Don’t get me wrong, having healthy competition is great for competing but not so much that you lose track of the fun surfing is supposed to be.
February 5th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Forget him bro, that was some good writing
February 5th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
does wanting to go to a remote resort with a bunch of shirless guys mean I’m gay?…
February 5th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
When one thinks of the greatest rivalries in sports it is natural to gravitate to team sports. Yankees vs Red Sox for baseball, Duke vs North Carolina for basketball or Michigan vs Ohio State for football come to mind. In team sports these rivalries raise the level of play for these teams when they face each other but do not influence the progression of the sport much. Considering individual sport rivals like Evert vs Navratilova in tennis, Palmer and Nicholas in golf or Ali vs Frazier in boxing, in none of these cases did the athlete develop a relationship while in the prime of their careers that could advance the sport to the next level. The Kelly/Andy rivalry in surfing is equal to the above mentioned. However, what is so unique and powerful about the current situation with the Kelly/Andy union in the sport of surfing is the influence they could have on taking surfing to the next level, the environment, ASP format or board design. Kelly/Andy surfing progression? Yes!
February 6th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
By bringing two of surfing’s biggest icons together at the peak of their abilities that competed so ferociously against one another, putting aside the competitiveness of competition, remembering that at the end of the day we all got into surfing for the same reason, the love and stoke of wave riding. This will propel the sport leaps and bounds as a symbol of something that lives in the heart of all surfers that no one can take that away! Now onward to establishing surfing as an Olympic sport.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Respect! That’s what it all boils down to. Every sport has its rivals, thats why we have competition’s in the first place. Who is the best on a givin day? Most surfers never surf in a “competition”, only when their spot is a zoo and you have to fend for your wave count. Having the two best surf together, even sticking up for one another in the line-up show’s our community that we are blessed to be able to do what we do, and sometimes you just need to drop the hatchet and surf till your arms fall off.
February 6th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
ha thanks mate im actually seppo
February 6th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
For this two surfers to be become friends is amazing. They have been battling for over ten years and to make a mends like this; on a surfing trip. That is outstanding.To have it all documented on video is spectacular. It shows the progress throughout the movie, how they were able to set aside their differences. Because of this people will see that they don’t have to have a rival; someone that they don’t like having at their break. But to learn to accept that person and befriend them.
February 6th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
in order for there to be a true rivalry, there has to be a mutual respect in some way; one has to have a quality about him or her that the other envies or aspires to. i think to a lot of us out there, kelly seems other-worldly. the guy never loses, or bleeds, or gets denied. andy helped humanize him a little. it also puts things in perspective as far as giving it 115% out there and going for the throat knowing that you are setting new standards or levels of competition for all of us. its ok to get riled up in the name of the sport and the tour vibe. andy and kelly make anything and everything seem attainable. one had posters of the other and got in the others head so that it was a constant thing. any kind of strong emotion is going to make anyone now matter how good push it that much further with no regard to themselves. it becomes about being part of something bigger. on the fan side for the bros following all of this, it makes it ok to love both for who they are and its ok. you might not be able to put your finger on the pulse, but surfing is now changed forever because of this.
February 6th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Kelly vs. Andy was surfing’s cold war. Their rivalry sold more surf magazines (I’m guessing nothing even comes close) and fueled more arguments than almost anything in the sport’s history. It also happens to have produced some of the best surfing, competitive or otherwise, that any of us has ever scene. Unfortunately for surf mags and fans alike, they’re over it. So what happens now? Apparently, they go on epic surf trips, surf their faces off, and become friends (or presumably as close to friends as they’ve ever been). But where does that leave us, the collective surfing world? The simple answer: frothing.
Kelly and Andy are with out a doubt two of the world’s most talented, progressive surfers period, full stop. So if their “bitter” rivalry and the surfing it produced are gone, we’ll just have to settle for a “friendly” rivalry. Something tells me we won’t be disappointed.
February 6th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I have only been on a board and in a year I have idolized these to figures for that time. Kelly Slater and Andy Irons make the sport all the more fun. These two do the impossible, the unthinkable. I idolized these two from the start, and I’m sure they will shape the way for another kid trying to fallow there dreams. Progression of surf with these role models to is coming. It’s here.
February 7th, 2009 at 2:22 am
I’m freaking out! A perfect San Francisco wave approaches fast as I sit there peeing in my 5/4 Billabong wetsuit. I manage to pinch it off early, and I turn and drop into yet another perfect shack at Ocean Beach. It’s been firing all month long in Nor-Cal, and all over the world for that matter! What’s going on?!
When I get home and open the mailbox, that’s when it hits me that the Stars have aligned. The front page of my beloved mag reads, “Kelly & Andy Collide”. Their union combines Kelly’s superhuman wave-calling and wave-making abilities with Andy’s unleashed freedom to explore and innovate. They’ve joined forces to put the ocean at harmony, and in turn the wave Gods send us firing surf! The effects of the greatest surf alliance of all time are radiating throughout the ocean. I can’t even stop to pee in my suit.
February 7th, 2009 at 3:29 am
Andy Irons is the reason I started surfing competitively . Kelly Slater is probably the reason other people stated surfing. Their rivalry is like the battle between the Gods and the Titans. These two keep switching back between a God or a Titan, constantly pushing each other to go that extra step just to win. Without those two, everybody should just go back to free surfing. They define competition. If the Gods didn’t have the Titans to challenge them, then they wouldn’t be able to show the world what they were capable of. Right now, Kelly is Zeus and Andy is a Titan. He is a Titan constantly pushing Kelly to defend himself and his title. This epic war will go on until they are both done surfing
February 7th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Andy and Kelly are the best there is in surfing right now. When you combine their talents and have both of them working together there is nowhere to go but up. And with both of them trying to out-due the other the only thing they could do is to bust out new and insane stuff! They’ll have to bring out tricks that people just go,” How the $!@$ did he do that? Is tht even possible?” That is why surfing will remain the best sport, becuase of the push you get when riding with a bro.
PS. Its about time they worked together, ive been a fan of both for a long time!
February 7th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Simply put, putting Andy and Kelly together was the greatest idea since some genius put peanut butter and jelly together. Putting those two things together quenched a lot of peoples hunger for an easy snack, and putting those two dudes together will quench a lot of people hunger for the next surfing innovation. Plus, this could open up a chance for some young guns to gain the lime light and progress surfing even more.
February 7th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Its called a healthy rivalry…. some think either of them are the best in surfing right now… so naturally Kelly and Andy are not gonna settle for a split decision so them pushing each other and progressing has open doors in the sport that no one thought existed… friends will always push you further than you would yourself but rivals is a whole different incentive
February 7th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I think it will create a completely different atmosphere in the competitive world, not just between them, but for everyone understands their moral lesson. Andy and Kelly is the best example of an aggressive rivalry thats had its tension. In competitions, and just surfing in general, so much emotion takes a factor in how you surf so when the two biggest rivals solve there differences, the way they surf against and/or around each other is gonna dramaticly change because that angry tension wont be there. They are gonna be able to surf in heats with more focus on their own progression and not just how to beat the other. Andy and Kelly have created a great example to show everyone who takes the time to realize its about having fun even in competition and if you just loose that aggressive tension and just go surf your best, your gonna be a lot happier at the end of the day and you should be shredding way harder!!!
February 7th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
this will seriously do wonders for the surfing world. When these two highly competitive surfers come togeather it will hopefully settle an ongoing war and prove that surfing is a sport a peace and hopefully by the end of this session a shaka will be the new universal peace sign!
February 7th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Andy Irons and Kelly Slater are two of the hardest chargers surfing the ASP World tour. When these guys go head to head, everyone watches closely, and with all the hype in and out of the water the Irons vs. Slater gig has been brutal to say the least. For these heavy hitters to set aside the media hype, egos, rumors etc and come clean and show respect for each other will undoubtedly set the right example for, not only other pro surfers, but all surfers alike. May this settle down localism and the aggro surfers at beaches by even the smallest amount of the surfing community, this is the biggest progress surfing will see at all levels.
Shaka!
February 7th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have combined forces to adopt the children of the world and soon to take over the world. Just think what Andy and Kelly can do as a combine force.
February 7th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
This is the dawn of a new era, an era in were Andy & Kelly show the world of surf, that surf is not just about competition, or showing who is the best pipemaster, but is about showing that this sport is made for the rivalry free people. These two surf gods are the kind of people we have to look up too, no matter who you are, think positive, and you will reach your goals.
What I am saying is that, from the start of Andy & Kellys carriers as pro surfers, they have been changing this wonderfull sport little by little, showing the masses that every thing is possible.
February 7th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
“THE UNION OF KELLY & ANDY?” WELL THAT WON’T BE POSSIBLE IN CALIFORNIA BECAUSE PROP 8 PASSED! ALTHOUGH, I THINK GAY MARRIAGE IS LEGAL IN INDO, SO I WILL HAPPILY MARRY THEM AT THE KANDUI RESORT IF THEY WOULD LIKE. RIVALRY IS THE HEART OF ALL SPORT AND COMPETITION. THE MAIN REASON THAT SURFING IN AMERICA IS NOT VIEWED ENTIRELY AS SPORT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NOT ENOUGH RIVALRY. FROM MY PERSPECTIVE MOST PEOPLE STILL VIEW SURFING AS A HIPPIE ACTIVITY. IF ANY PROFESSIONAL SURFER WANTS TO DO GOOD FOR SURFING (ESPECIALLY IN THE USA) THEN MAN UP AND MAKE IT CLEAR THAT YOU WANT TO BE THE BEST AT YOUR SPORT. EXAMPLE: DANE REYNOLDS…STOP QUESTIONING COMPETITION AND DO SOME GOOD FOR THIS SPORT IN YOUR COUNTRY.
February 7th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Take pressure off professional athletes? Does your boss ever take pressure off of you…no. And he doesn’t becuase he wants you to do better. Nobody wants to see them relax…are you kidding? Andy off tour this year is crap…he has the rest of his life to be off tour.
February 7th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Well i’m from california and there’s alot of great surfers around here but putting Andy and Kelly together is going to bring surfing to a whole new level.
February 7th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
It’s almost cartoon”ish”? These two guys put head to head is the water together makes the ultimate story. I truly think this event is no less than Superman VS. Superman. Who ever wins the event should retire and give me a shot, “For the love of Pete” these freakishly good surfers need to go back to the sand box and play nice. “TIME OUT”
Danimal
February 8th, 2009 at 10:25 am
The reconciliation of these two, who are arguably two of the most crowned and colored athletes in the sport, sends a message that really beams at a higher level and transcends much of the petty competitive banter that the media portrays and arguably many of the sport’s competitors propagate. This message, put simply, is that there is a mutual respect, admiration, and empathy between the these two. The maturity of both Kelly and Andy to have developed such regard for one another illustrates how the top tier athletes in our sport didn’t stay at the top by being brash, arrogant, and self-centered, but rather their skills shined and even excelled when an element of humility and respect for one’s competitors was introduced. If the next generation of pro’s can understand this early on in their careers, the sport would be better for it…
February 8th, 2009 at 11:17 am
This rivalry between Kelly and andy has been going on for so long that no one really knows who is better than who but since have it sort make compition more interesting and when theses two are put head to head it still doesn’t prove who is better so the heat between the two continues can andy get more world title or can Kelly hold him of this makes the sport so much more interesting and will keep people on the edge of their seat for the next few years. It is like when an unstoppbe for meets an unmovable object what happens?
February 8th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
You have Kelly an east coast kid and Andy a kid from the “proving grounds of surfing”. Both have unique styles and flare the both add to the sport. Get both together and their style will rubb off on one another. Andy has taken the next year off to do what he has to do. I’m sure Kelly will be around him to motivate him and get his passion back for competing. Two friends get together and push each other to do their very best at what they do. Well you have the two best of surfing to motivate and create new moves and passion for what they love. If you put these two together into one person the individual would be unstopable and a phenom.
February 8th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Not all sports needs rivalries to thrive. Sure, Michael Jordan had Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Mark McGwire had Sammy Sosa. Andre Agassi had Pete Sampras. But those are organized sports where the media needs the rivalry more than the sport does to sell advertising and negotiate billion dollar television contracts. 95% of surfers worldwide are not competing, they are surfing with their bros on the weekends, and I doubt that many of them care if Andy and Kelly are rivals or just really good friends who love to surf together.
February 8th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
add to above…
I would imagine they prefer the latter.
February 8th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I think that Andy and Kelly are progressing surfing by just making history. Like people are going to look back on their surfing and just be like those guys ripped or those guys were gnarly. It also just makes people more interested in the sport. Lots of people want to read more articles about surfing or watch more surfing cause of it. And when people see to athletes surfing against each other it makes them classify surfing as more of a sport. i know that some people don’t see it as a sport but if Andy and Kelly keep surfing the way they are and other surfers keep progressing in the sport then more people look at a contest as sporting event. So keep on keeping on and surf hard.
February 8th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Anyone notice when they changed the rules to 150 words or less from 75? I thought was kind of dumb. What about the people that submitted comments with the original rules? Hmm, surfer labor i guess.
February 8th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
The Andy and Kelly Union is like the American Civil War. The Civil War divided the states (Andy/Kelly divided surfers worldwide.) The South raged a fierce campaign (Andy), but in the end, the North dominated (Kelly.) The result was a healthier, more focused country (ASP World Tour) with immense progression (Jordy & Dane.) The funny thing about this little analogy is that Kelly is actually from the South.
Sorry I didn’t write some sappy heart felt response like everyone else, but I hope that the South will rise again!
February 8th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
The union of Kelly and Andy, I don’t think it’s a good thing, your suppose to have rivalries in any kind of sport. Why should it be all fun. That’s what pushes your surfing or whatever you do. That’s what competition is all about.
February 8th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Kelly Slater and Andy Irons are two of the most progressive surfers of our time. I’ve grown up watching Kelly Slater in Black and White and AI in the MCD video Raw. By setting aside the competitive B.S. and just finding enjoyment in surfing, we’re sure to see them push their limits even further. BTW, great article and mag.
February 8th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Slater, the crazy dominating record holder and setter, and Irons, the insane 3 time world record holding regular foot, can finally dominate the sport of surfing together. Before there was a tension, an estate of hatred between the two greats, that would make the surfing media only focus on the but now that this is all done and set we can focus on the less looked at grom surfers on the rise and give them the support they need to become great and maybe even better than the best of the best now. Also the aces can now focus on improving there own surfing and we can watch the Irons rivalry.
February 8th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
The coalition of Andy Irons and Kelly Slater is a huge sport changing event. Its hard to surf in texas but even this “shot heard round the world” made me say Wtf when I looked at the cover of TRANSWORLD SURF. Its like if and Duke combined colleges with North Carolina , it would simply force the rest of great colleges to step up there game. Same situation here and who knows, maybe theres a future great surfer that just got the fuel he needs.
February 8th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
The coalition of Andy Irons and Kelly Slater is a huge sport changing event. Its hard to surf in texas but even this “shot heard round the world” made me say Wtf when I looked at the cover of TRANSWORLD SURF. Its like if and Duke combined colleges with North Carolina , it would simply force the rest of great colleges to step up there game. Same situation here and who knows, maybe theres a future great surfer that just got the fuel he needs.
February 8th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Quite simply by having them push eachother ’till they have done what looks impossible.
I HOPE I WIN I LOVE SURFING I EAT SURFING FOR BREAKFAST.
February 8th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
This motivates both Slater and AI to push each other even harder now. Andy will come back in 2010 balls-to-the-wall with his humility and respect for surfing back, making him much more dangerous. Slater really didn’t have a true challenger week to week, so bringing back the Venom to Spiderman amps it up. Can’t wait!
February 8th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
i think this is a good example of how people can beat the odds and make there situation better. andy and kelly were destine to be rivals for who knows how long. putting aside there diforences and just surfing shows that surfing isn’t all about rivalry’s, sponsers and scorboards (not that theres anything wrong with these things). insted this should help people remember why they started surfing in the first place and to not let anything get in the way of what we all love. keep ripping.
February 8th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
There is no way the two best and biggest surfers in the world joining forces is a good thing. I mean now there will be no billabong, quiksilver rivalry, competitions will cease to exist and everyone will be soul surfing. But maybe just for a little while, people will recognize that surfing was invented to have fun and not to exclude the peoples right to surf!
February 8th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Andy and kelly are two of the sickest most iconic guys in the business. The rivalry between the two has been nothing short of epic. With Andy taking a break from the tour Slater’s competition won’t be as intense so what better than to unite these two guys and created one of the gnarliest duos of all time. They can start touring the world together and take down some of the heaviest waves together and make history. The tour is gonna miss Andy a lot but if Slater and him start traveling more together and possibly making a movie together i think that more eyes will turn to the newly formed duo than the tour will this year.
February 8th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Kelly and Andy freesurfing together? This can only mean one thing for the progression of surfing…double kickflips. The ‘Union’ of Kelly and Andy? That is so fucking lame.
February 9th, 2009 at 10:42 am
The competition between Andy and Kelly will always exist. The big benefit will be getting these two on more trips to out-shred each other for hours rather than minutes. Hopefully Transworld will catch it all on film.
February 9th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Both of them are amazing, and in any sport (although surfing obviously is better than all of them) competition always makes rivals work harder. The harder the two best in the world work, the more the world can acomplish as surfers.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
They both rip hard as hell. Andy and Kelly are sick surfers. Kelly is better and with all the young kids he just keeps getting better and better. If andy retires it will thats dumb if he does before Kelly. I hope to see them both progress each other more and more …
February 9th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Andy and Kelly. David and Goliath. Poseidon and Zeus. All legends alike that have conquered and mastered their god given talent. A difference this duo shares however is the undeniable progression of surfing from the years of Momentum to Andy’s 3peat. Both have denied all the odds to put surfing on the map and have gained the recognition of a professional sport among others. With the joining of the two in A Fly in the Champagne, not only will standardized tricks be stepped to the top level, but instead the respect among legends in an egotistical enlarged sport. With 13 titles combined (including Kelly’s 10th this year) people all around the globe can familiarize themselves with surfing. The amount of strength and professionalism among the two is seen on any given session; A session that progresses surfing in every way from wave-to-wave with two world champs calling out the back
February 9th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Putting two of the best surfers together will no doubt progress the sport because they will be pushing each other to do bigger and better things. I’m sure they will have a lot of friendly competition with each other now that they are better friends, and that’s what really progresses a sport. It works they same for anyone, surfing with friends is the way anyone gets better. Think about your home break, friendly competition between you and your friends is the best way to improve yourself and the same goes for Kelly and Andy, they’re both only going to get better.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
I think that if Kelly and Andy got together and started to surf purfect waves everyday they could improve the sport by both technique and finace. If the 2 of them where to take a road trip and film it thats a movie right there plus since they’re not trying to beat each other they can improve their tricks and maybe invent something new.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Irons and slater are the top 2 surfers knowing a guy that grew up with slater is awesome that would be Greg Elliet. Irons is a great surfer put him and slater together theres no stooping point surfings always a comp no mater what you want to throw the best shit u can out there but surfing is an over all globe sport Kelly and irons are global start there know world wide there the top surfers Kelly started out young and progressed to a world class surfer he made it possible and so did Andy there to great surfers and with them they can only push surfing so much further
February 9th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Bro. If Slater and Irons have a real “union” (if you know what i mean). Then that would be the ultimate surfer baby. Cant wait for that kinda technology to come out. But seriously, would be sick. Carrying on both of its father’s legacies, winning like 200 trillion comps, drowning in chicks. Thats how you truly progress the sport, by breeding super babies. Like breeding dogs, except in a messed up crazy cool way.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
To put it simply, the union of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons would push the sport to a new level. Each amazing surfers with tons of experience and style. Even though they might not be competing against each other, they would be still fighting for the best overall wave, causing each other to try new things and create new moves. With these legends together a new indifferent way to hit the lip or air could be formed. Kelly and Andy would push each other to new levels trying to get deeper into the barrel and go for longer which could set new standards for the surfing world. If Slater and Irons rid themselves of their hate and push each other there could be a new way to surf, a surfing revolution caused by two legends coming together to increase the popularity of surfing and set a new standard.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Andy Irons and Kelly Slater. Names almost synonymous with surfing to anyone who doesn’t actually surf. For those of us who do, we understand that surfing is more than a sport or hobby, but a lifestyle that we live everyday. To us, Irons and Slater are advocates of the lifestyle, who understand what it is to love the ocean and the waves more than any non-surfer ever could. But they’re also are two men who’ve taken it on themselves to push the boundaries of the sport they both started as children, and, as adults, as competitors, pushed each other to their own limits. Now, as these two champions of the sport are finally joined together, we wonder what’ll come of it tomorrow? I can’t say, but it’s bound to be rad. And I think as long as we have some tasty waves, and a cool buzz, we’ll be just fine.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:37 am
In any arena of life you have polar opposites that encompass balance in the universe. I see that in Andy Irons and Kelly Slater. They both encompass the whole surfing mantra of surf from 2 to 20 feet. There approach to surfing waves and life are different. There physical abilities allow them to go where there mind wants to go.
But as polar opposites their union progresses surfing as approaching the future with a balance for the first time where two ultra competitive rivals come together to raise the bar in surfing to levels not yet experienced.
February 10th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Two different styles and philosophies coming together can only bring about progress. Slats and Irons will probably share ideas and different ideas on how to surf a particular wave. Two is better than one.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:06 am
With out a doubt, Kelly and Andy are surfings two best representatives of excellance in the last 20 years. To put 12 world titles in any line-up in any country (13 if you count pottz)is going progress surfing. To photograph, video, or even watch those guys surf those waves, will progress surfing. Their styles, creativness, and just overall rip factor speaks for itself.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Andy Irons and Kelly Slater are no doubt the 2 most well known pro surfers in the world and 2 of the greatest in the world as well. I have been a Boston fan, an eagles fan, and a Slater fan for mostly all my life. I have never once dreamed of a Red Sox fan having sex with a Yankees fan and so on with Eagles and Dallas and Kelly with Andy. Bringing these two amazing surfers together is epic. Bringing these pros together will open the eyes around the world. Maybe even Quicksilver and Billabong would even do some crazy new theme because of this. The sport of surfing has progressed so much in the past 20 years with them separated. Now with them together I can see surfing becoming the greatest thing to live for if it’s not already.
February 10th, 2009 at 11:45 am
If Andy and Kelly finally cement their union together, maybe they can pull together a couple cents to pay for the airfare to mentawais for me. South East Asia my butt! I can’t afford generic brand oatmeal!
February 10th, 2009 at 11:54 am
It doesn’t. Surfing needs rivalries to excel, like Magic/Bird, Kobe/LeBron, Kobe/Shaq, Yankees/Red Sox.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I think that since these two rivals have become friends everything in the world will become opposite of what it was. Kelly and Andys friendship will blossom and they will drop off the world tour and start habitually riding alaias. With this power shift a new rivalry for the title will begin with Rasta and Donovan competing for the title.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Why waste 150 words when this can all be summed up in 5 simple words? “For the stoke of it”
February 10th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Kelly and Andy..what can you say really about two of the most competitive and influential surfers to ever emerge. This ‘union’ is maybe a burying of the proverbial hatchet and possibly a bit of maturity, but the rivalry will never die..sorry to burst your bubble TWS. It was a nice trip, but we all know that it was just another day at the office for Andy and Kelly. Sponsors..marketing..etc. They both scored some nice barrels and some nice checks for their troubles. I can’t say I don’t envy them though. These guys have already progressed the sport so much and will continue to do so, union or no union. Ask them I’m sure they’ll agree. I’ll bet Lyndie might have something to say about that union thing too. So how will a union between them really progress the sport..plain and simple..IT WON’T.
February 10th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
this ones good
February 10th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Kelly Slater and Andy Irons what is there to say. The two most innovative surfers on the planet. Irons about to retire and kelly still going at another world title, it has been a long rivalry between the two and is now about to end. I live in Florida and he has always inspired me and told me that people from the east coast can make it out of this redneck state and win nine world titles.
February 10th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Kelly Slater and Andy Irons are without a doubt two of the greatest surfers ever. Their rivalry has become an epic battle known to everyone (at least in the surfing community). Although, we do love to watch them rip against each other, because that is what gives us the drive to become better, I think that the union between the two will bring surfers and surfing back to what the whole sport started out being. One of the most enjoyable things in the world. Something that intices that peace, that sanctity, the rush you get when you are out there with your friends just having a good time catching really good waves. I think that it will give us a prime example about how surfing isn’t just about competition and winning world titles, but how it is so much more than that.
February 10th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Kelly and Andy are gonna make the impossible possible
February 10th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
shit man.. looking at Kelly and Andy’s ego’s and legacy.. its a spiritual vibe. Its like looking back at Led Zeppelin era or somethingg… the golden years. Nothing in the future will outmatch this rivalry and time line. Their history will always be the best point in time of the surfing world.. sure people may get better in the future or whatever.. but these two should have their own statues of Liberty posted up on the islands somewhere. Now can we please escape reality in the mentawai islands somewhere. sip some duff and never come home? please..
February 10th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Having Andy and Kelly be “bros” could do nothing but help. They could get the Quik team together with the Billabong team and make the most epic video in the history of videos. What could be better than the worlds two best surfers along with their gnarly teams shredding across the world. Then you got yourself a video that not only appeals to surfers, but the general people of the world. And if it all works out, then Kelly or Andy could win the ESPN’s who’s now thing. They win that, more people see what surfing is like, and the sport expands.
February 10th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Kelly and Andy are without a doubt two of the most talented and inspiring surfers in the world-in, and out of the water. Kelly does so much with kids and charity, as well as Andy. Both Kelly and Andy have helpedchange the world of surfing in many aspects-the way we surf, how hard we charge, trying to push ourselves through the injuries and pain which we welcome with open arms hoping to one day achieve ten percent of the talent and drive these two amazing surfers have. I think we can all say with 100 percent certainty that the union of Kelly and Andy will change the world of surfing-in, and out of the water.
We all know that kelly is a very spiritual person. By “spiritual” I don’t mean Jesus Freak-i mean one with the Mother Earth. It seems he looks at the ocean and surfing as an answer to all his questions and time to work things out with himself. By Kelly and Andy putting their differences aside and starting a clean slate, it shows kids and everyone else who looks up to Kelly and Andy, that surfing really can change a way a man thinks and influence your life in a positive way.
Andy, being the hard driven, hard minded person he is,(obviousely I don’t know for a fact this is how he is being that I don’t know him personally) being able to put theis rivalry to rest is a statement in itself to the surfing community. It shows us that you can get along in the water. It shows us that if someone drops in on you, your first reaction doesn’t have to be beating his face in, or breaking fins off his board. Where as you can actually hoot this guy on. It shows us that you might meet your new best friend out in the water if you just stop being an asshole.
The world of surfing will never be the same after this monumental aliance. Surfing is going to progress in a way that we never thought imaginable. Now we have two of the most talented surfers in the world surfing together, and pushing eachothers limits. Rob Machado said”Positivity is the most important ingredient to peace, happiness, and longevity”-and with Kelly and Andy being positive instead of negative towards eachother, the world of surfing all together will achieve these three atributes we all so long for.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
As grommets, there was Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior; there was Superman and Batman. Neither was the bad guy, both were legends immortalized by their larger than life powers. We quibbled who was stronger, who would win if… But what if both were on the same team? The possibilities are endless. Kelly and Andy aren’t exactly a duo but neither were any of the others and we as mere mortals can only dream of one day having their super powers. By coming together, these legends demonstrated “progression” at its finest. Progression as in, “moving forward and putting the past behind you.” Pre or post-union, the two have shown how your biggest weakness can be your biggest strength.
February 10th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
two icons, two diferent styles, two diferent attitudes, two diferent ways to reach the surfer suprem victory, the world title, this isn’t the perfect example that there is more than one way to skin a cat? having this guys workin together will launch diferent ways to understand surfing, competition, sports, and most important show that surfing is about ride waves, not have oponents
February 11th, 2009 at 8:13 am
I saw Kelly in his amateur days & called his world champion dominance back then. Andy is certainly one of the best in the world also. It is great to see them together, pushing each other and our sport forward. East cost finesse meets Hawaiian power. It will blow minds.
February 11th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Every profession has numerous obstacles. Most of which you have a slight amount of control over. In surfing however you are given a very small amount of control. You are at the will of greater powers than yourself such as weather and the mighty forces of the ocean. That being said you also have very little control over your competition. You can’t sabotage a competitor without inadvertently sabotaging yourself. I think that we can all agree that at the end of the day you can look out at the horizon over the ocean and agree to disagree with the powers that be. I feel that is what Kelly and Andy have done on this trip, agreed to disagree. They were given the opportunity to acknowledge that their only true competitor is the ocean itself.
Also, please note that I spent my first honeymoon surfing and I would like to win this trip so that I can spend a second honeymoon surfing as well.
February 11th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
The unifacation of Andy and Kelly is great.They are going to push the sport of surfing to new heights. Here’s the real question. Who is going to be The President and who is going to be Vice President?
February 11th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Bringing Kelly and Andy together is like combining the Reef girls and a pool of chocolate pudding. It would be quite epic.
February 11th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I don’t think it will change a thing. There has been plenty of great rivalries in the past (Occy vs Curren,ect.)and there always will be. Surfing will continue to progress reguardless of the relationships between surfers. As long as there is competition, there will always be rivalries.The level of surfing will continue to evolve no matter who likes eachother or not.There will always be some kind of dislike for one another as long as there is competitive surfing and media coverage.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Bringing Kelly and Andy together is something I have wanted to see for awhile now. For them to finally get past the rivalry is something that is well overdue. It sets the example for all the new surfers that need to see past all the hype and see surfing for what it really is, not just a trend or a style.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
This story has all the ingredients of a cross between classic conflict/resolution hollywood plot mixed with reality tv. Like “North Shore” mixed with “Charm School”. The protagonist ‘Kelly’ comes from a place not renouned for surf and mixes it up with the antagonist ‘Andy’, who grew up in a wave playground but never really made it big in those Bro-vacation surf trip films like September Sessions. That ‘Blue Horizon’ flick comes out and doesn’t really portray AI in a soulful light and this doesn’t help his aura. Then again, who can compare soul-points with Dave Rastovich?!? Some competitive drama ensues over like 10 years and then they become ‘friends’, standing up for each other as they take on the world!!! Queue ‘Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow’!
February 11th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
The new union of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons can and will progress the sport of surfing because Kelly and Andy always were/are the top surfers in the world, and now that their buddies their surfing will get even better. This is because when you are surfing in a competition you always want to beat your friends and make sure they don’t beat you. So if more pros are teaming up surfing will get much more competitive and herder to win.
February 11th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
everybody loves some good competition
February 11th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Bronelove!
February 11th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Screw the union. its all about rivals and wanting to be better than your opponent. once a friendship is put in, you dumb down your tricks. when you arent friends more crazy stuff will go down. the union might make surfing more friendly but it might make it more laid back with everybody being buds with the next guy. when i go surfing its not to make friends, its all about ripping harder than everybody/anybody in the water period.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
I think that the Andy/Kelly hatchet being burried COULD be huge for surfing outside of the tour. In the tour competition is competition, but outside the tour is where all of the progression takes place. Kelly’s style is super TIGHT while Andy is a lot looser but a combo of the two could be scarry. Everyone has their own style and look to the pro’s for new moves to add to their bag of tricks. New we can look at two of the best surfers alive riding together. This COULD be the one place were we ALL learn from instead of hearing the bullshit drama. The fuck this fuck that just holds surfing back. These two united is like a dream team. All that is missing is so Dane Reynolds style. The solve all solution-
February 12th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Every sport no matter what it is will always have rivalries in it. Having rivalries will push each other to be their best to progress with their skills. Kelly and Andy are top surfers bring them together not only to compete but maybe learn from each other to make the sport even better. It is not only them that could progress surfing but every surfer out there in the world. Everyone has their own style, their own flare with how they surf. Progress with sports is about learning from others and try to make it better. How about lets all just go out and surf and throw the sickest sh** anyone could possibly do
February 12th, 2009 at 9:37 am
The union of Kelly and Andy would progress surfing in ways we can’t even imagine. If they were to have a legal ‘union’ between each other it would create such opportunities for surfing. Just by living together and sharing the most intimate details with each other would open up so much progression. They could share each other’s top secrets with each other, create a new clothing brand together, new surfboard brand together, and start a really cool ’surfing karate school.’ The whole ‘ninja’ thing could come back and the next thing you know, we’d be chucking chinese stars at each other! Long live Bruce Lee and rock ‘n’ roll bowling nights!
February 12th, 2009 at 10:17 am
The archetypical surf-rivalry of the ages will be missed. Every generation has had its great rivalries and in every sport, but every bro so far has already spouted off the great rivalries or how this one is more pivotal and dramatic than the last. The fact of the matter is its probably over, and I’ll miss it. With Andy off the CT and his future in the competitive limelight seriously in question while Kelly continues all out domination who can argue. Whether the hatchet is buried superficially or so subcutaneously they’re buds for life there won’t be any more AI/Slater world champion showdowns coming down to paddling interferences. There won’t be any more combo-comeback-combo AI/Slates Pipemasters finals decided with a dramatic dying seconds cavern to claim. “A decade-long rivalry comes to a head” and now its over. I hope i’m wrong.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Throughout history there have always been those that sit on the sidelines to watch and those that actually DO. Andy and Kelly are apart of the later group and throughout thier rivalry, they have progressed surfing to new boundries that have never been reached before. Many say the only way to progress is to be faced with a challenge but i say that to create greatness and invent the new, we must come together and work together. As friends, Kelly and Andy can push surfing to new limits because with both of their abilities they can accomplish almost anything in the realm of surfing.
February 12th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Oh no a “laid back” surfer. I rip on my friends harder than anybody else and vice versa. You might want to join the marines with that taekwondoe attitude.
February 12th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Kelly vs. Andy is one of the greatest rivalries in the history of sports. What Ali/Frasier, Magic/Bird, and Federer/Nadal is to the rest of the world, Slater and Irons is to our world. Their competitive rivalry has created progression not only amongst themselves, but to the rest of the tour attempting to reach the ever rising bar. I truly believe surf media attempts to up-play some personal loathing they may have for each other because everyone loves drama. Still, more than likely the truth is Kelly and Andy are relentless competitors that push each others limits. So whether on a competitive format, or free surf format (which is the focus of the new issue) their union can only mean one thing. Progression.
February 12th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Progression is achieved by pushing ones limits. In the situation of Andy and Kelly, both have had to push each others limits to come out on top. Their rivalry has given us some of the best surfing in the history of the sport. Surfing that has inspired not only other competitors, but everyday surfers from all walks of life. So how does their UNION progress surfing? The truth is, they have been UNITED by this rivalry for years. Why is it that a Slater/Irons heat is the most anticipated heat in an event, it’s because WE want to see the most progressive surfing. Even if these two are surfing on a tropical island with perfect waves, there is still that rivalry that makes them want to one up each other, and somewhere a 12 year old will see photos of that trip, be inspired, and we’ll see the first double rodeo flip in five years. That’s Progression. I speak for all of us when I say it’ll be exciting to see what their competitive nature evokes outside the boundaries of the ASP tour.
February 12th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
What it if doesn’t progress the sport at all??? What if potentially ending one of the greatest rivalries in competitive sport just brought progression to a grinding halt? Does that mean Transworld Surf just killed the sport of surfing? If they don’t have each other to push anymore, maybe in a couple of years the tour just becomes stale… You guys better find two other riders and print a bunch of he said/ he said, so when the economy turns and people pay attention again, there’s a new rivalry bigger and better than Andy and Kelly’s ever was or even could be.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Perfection is never achieved from only one entity. The perfect storm is not only generated from the air, but also the ocean. The perfect meal is never just one entre, but everything one eats. The perfect rivalry is created when grace meets innovation, when finesse meets dominance, when Andy Irons meets Kelly Slater. When the two best pierce the water they are able to jolt Poseidon himself.
The coalition of Irons and Slater has accelerated they evolution of surfing beyond its natural progression. Their creativity has inspired each others ingenuity and has made the unimaginable reality. Andy Irons and Kelly Slater have fashioned the purest of sports not to what it is, but what it can be; they allow us to taste what its like to be a God. Surfing needs these competitors, who at time seem like their surfing is the dueling of highlanders… there can only be one.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
It is hard to say how much of the AI-Slater Rivalry was just media hype, it was probably a dulled down version of what we all read about them. That being said there was for sure some tension, and it seems to have taken some sort of a toll on AI. I think it may be the root of why AI is so burnt out on contest surfing, now that the rivalry has been toned down or is gone completely, especially in the eyes of the media and the pressure to compete for the title is gone, these two can freesurf together and push each other to the highest level of their surfing. We will see if thier freesurfing can keep up with these no-names like jordy and dane. They are ok too.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Are you ready for change? The sport of surfing shure is. From heavy planks as boards, surgical cords as leashes, sweaers as wetsuits. T todays radical surfing, extreme heated wetsuits, and hevily localizd breaks. Surfing has changed man. Hop in your vw bus and try to relive the past but you cant. Surfing has steppedinto a professional sport spotlight. Without kelly Slat er and SAndy Irons that never would have happened. These two are the biggy and tupac of surfing. They brought surfing to the front lines, and there rivelrey just made the spor t of surfing that much more intense.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Andy Irons and Kelly Slater are pretty muck the two biggest names in surfing. Bringing them together, after an almost made up hatred by the media, will put the biggest talent together, peacefully. Bringing them together will allow them to promote events together and further promote the entire sport of surfing. The two of them coming together and understanding each other could open up communication between them and maybe they could come up with some sick new air or move. Hell maybe they can talk to those guys down at Ron Jon’s and get them to finish that frekin surf park they’ve been talking bout for years, or build one themselves. So all in all with the two biggest names coming together they could get a lot done and progress the sport of surfing.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
My stepfather tells me story’s of surfing with no wetsuit and no leash. The only way he could get warm was a bottle of wine amongst friends. He recalls of Heavy boards and the first leashes that were made out of surgical cord. He laughs at the recall of the first wetsuits , ones made from harsh rubber, severely cutting your flesh.
Surfing is that of change. Change that is embraced with each generation. Todays generation is used to the fact that surfing is a highly competitive spot. A sport with action and advancements.
Kelly Slater and Andy Irons brought the sport of competitive surfing to the masses. They generated mass media and hungry followers. They brought a generation of competition and rivalry.
The sport of surfing is ready for change. The change away from competition and sponsors. Back to freesurf and friendship. The feeling of paddling out with your bro and crushing the lip. This new change of friendship that Kelly and Andy took will definitely help the sport.
Thanks guys, thanks for making it more mellow out there for the rest of us.
Nate De Brito
nathan_debrito@hotmail.com
February 12th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
SURF SKATE RAGE
February 12th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I don’t see much of anything right ow that could change surfing. I know that Kelly and Andy have been biter rivals for a while ,but really for something to shake the world of surf it has to be bigger. I’ll keep this short cause I know the guy who reads this has A.D.D. No I don’t think this will largely effect the surfing world.
February 12th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
This really captures the spirit of surfing.
February 12th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Best one yet…
February 12th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
This guy is right, these two push surfing to the next level, but there could only be one winner. I get it highlander
February 12th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Dave79 is right, everyone looks forward to head-to-head competitions that are between the best. Every sport has them and the AI/KS is the one for us.
February 12th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Pro?gres?sion…A succession of Ability & Intent coupled with Knack & Stamina in which there is a constant relation between each member and the one succeeding it. Andy is to Kelly, as is Dane is to Jordy. This is the advancement of surfing; thier unity driving our passion to progress.
February 12th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
through the rivalry of kelly and irons they will create a revolution in the surfing world. this rivalry fuels the the passion of younger surfers makeing them want to be that much better. this will simply make surfing a sport in wich only a devoted athlete can really suceed in.
February 12th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Hm…maybe Kelly and Andy will hang out, shoot the shit, and get comfortable with each other. Then Andy (a happily married man) will work up the nerve to inform Slater the following three things about himself: he’s old (late thirties), he’s bald, and he’s going out with a chick who may or may not still be a teenager. In an attempt to reassure himself that he still possesses that youthful vigor we all have or wish we had, Slater will start boosting the biggest airs of anyone on tour (thus redefining aerial surfing) and secretly proceed with Rogaine treatment (so he can keep luring the girls in ofr years to come). Kelly better not forget to thank Andy for his incredible insight.
February 12th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I think that they will help and improve surfing because since they are maybe the best surfers in the world. I think they inspire surfing and people by the way they are, and so some people might want to be as good as them and so they practice and practice to try to get there, then they buy surfing supplies to go surfing and practice and practice. Surfing business’s stay in business and people stay happy. Then there are the creative people who want to surf and make surfing better by figuring out new moves, ways to make wax, wet suits, and surf boards better so more people can take off where they left off.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Chris Cote=PROGRESSION
February 12th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Cut all the bulls–t, just send me the goods , surf Brothers ….!
February 13th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Andy and Kelly are two phenominal surfers who run the WCT. As a grom i look up to both of them as i progress in surfing. part of the reason these guys rank top on the poles is there competition drive, surfing is a very and competitive sport and to win you HAVE to be competitive. Every other time i flip through fuel tv i see these guys doing some new punt or turn. it inspires me to go out there and surf like them, even if its waist high chop. there is no “what ifs” about it these guys will progress the sport of surfing no matter what. Kelly has already set a goal for every newcomer to the ‘ct with 9 world titles. And after he retires he gets to sit back and watch people try to achieve what he did.
February 13th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I think that what happened with andy and kelly is a great thing. Now that the fighting and the rivalry are over people can calm down and enjoy watching the two best surfers of the century compete and have a good time doing it. its almost like since people think that surfing stars can fight and be at each others necks that the fans have to start stuff too. surfing is supposed to be mellow and calming and having a good time with your buds and being one with nature; not starting riots. so i say right on the surfing world can finally come to a peace.
February 13th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
There is no doubt that Andy and Kelly are incredible surfers. Still, neither are the most phenomenal aerial surfers, or the greatest big wave riders, but when it comes to solid competitive surfing at the highest level, these two are IT. If we want to see trick progression, then the Kustom $50,000 contest captures that (and neither Kelly or Andy are in the running). Having them together can progress the sport on such a broader scale. They simply inspire people. Seeing photos of them in perfect lineups might lead someone to search for a remote wave that could be Stop 3 on the ASP tour 2019. That same article could conjure up the creative juices for someone who has a unique board design, wetsuit design, or a kid attempting a never before done aerial. As humans we are in awe, intrigued, and inspired by the genius of others. Any project that these two embark on will be watched by millions of eyes, and behind some of those eyes will come ideas, concepts and emotions that will further progress our sport.
February 13th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Iam not the greatest surfer, but have always admired and paid close attention to the way professional surfers would promote themselves and thier talent in the extrememly competitive sport of surfing. Andy and Kelly were always the ones that caught my attention as athletes who would strive after this, and truly wanted to become great. You could see and sense this incredible vibe between the two, I could only imagine all the little thoughts of hatred and bitterness that they would meditate deeply about before a heat. And after all that, the two are able to link up on a surf trip and do what they have always been most passionate about. Just having fun surfing is what it always comes back too, and thanks Andy and kelly for surfin it out and showing us the true meaning of why we surf.
February 13th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
you nailed it.
February 13th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Sport is an organized, competitive and skillful physical activity requiring commitment and fair play. Andy and Kelly have all these traits in spades!
The biggest reward to the sport of surfing will not be the monetary one which sponsors will get, but it will be witnessing the almost indescribable feeling that brotherhood brings. All surfers young and old alike will feed off of it. All the aforementioned traits in these guys will just shine through brighter. This can only help progress our sport .
It shows if these guys can “get over it” than any differences that other surfers may have with each other can be fixed. Progress.
February 13th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I don’t think it will change too many things in the sport of surfing — maybe it will send the message of peace out to other surfers, but most of all I am a broke college kid looking to win some free surf shit.
February 13th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Andy and Kelly on tour together push each other unlike any other competitors on tour. It’s caught fire outside of surfing, and increased visibility of the tour and pro-surfing in general. It’s brought in more sponsor dollars and more press coverage of events. Now upcoming surfers are being hyped as the new Kelly or the new Andy. Their raw talent and competitive drive raises the bar for the whole tour. Now everyone in the top 44 is pushing the envelope, training harder and trying new moves in competition. They are getting fitter, more flexible, and faster. Mick Fanning spent a whole season working with a trainer and it showed; he came back and won the world title in 2006. Taj re-evaluated his training and style and made a serious commitment to improve. It showed as well this year. The Kelly/Andy rivalry has done the same for pro-surfing what Jordan did for pro-basketball.
February 13th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
I think its pretty cool that you guys got Andy and Kelly together, I hope it lets some people know how classy those two characters are. I’m not too sure it will ‘help’ progress the ’sport’ of surfing. Mainstream sports has progressed due to long time rivalries i.e. San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders. I think its kinda hard to be a competitive dickhead when you get the incredible opportunities to surf the best waves around the world and get paid for it. Geez, if I can get out and get good 2 surf sessions a week I feel like the world is a great place. I couldn’t imagine what I would feel like being a pro surfer. I grew up in the 70’s in San Diego (in the beavertail era) everytime I even mentioned comp surfing back then I was looked at like I had a 3rd eye! I think it is really great to see the best make a living doing what they love to do! Just don’t cut me off at my spot Kelly and Andy! I promise the same!
February 13th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Its not real unity until I see Slater surf on top of Andy while he body surfs Pipe. Now that’s progression and Unity!
February 13th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
the only way the sport is going to advance by them being united is if they start doing tandem barrels with a 11 foot long board. Then maybe one of them can hold a short board while in a Tandem barrel. then acid drop off the long board on to the foam ball. 2 world champs 1 wave.
February 13th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Meow?
February 13th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
the end of an era. Now that kelly and Andy arnt trying to vanquish the others world title hopes, they will both stop trying. Once the surf community has realized that the top dogs no longer feel the need to compete, all surfers make nice and stop going to tournements. Then all kooks start to qualify for the WCT, subsequently Pipeline records a spike in deaths in competition. The world of surfing deteriorates and everyone left rides sups..na just kidding hopefully everyone will realize that its about having fun in the water, not stressing over you rivals last heat score.
February 13th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
First of all, Chris Cote you rock, and Transworld Surf is insane. Without Kelly and Andy, the sport of surfing would lack so much. There would have been no real rivalries since the Curren/Occy days. Kelly’s mellow, flowing style, and Andy’s powerful, whippy style. Also, Kelly and Andy have had a huge affect on the progression of gear. Just this year, Kelly took a risk on board length, and it turned out to be a huge leap for surfing. I’m only 11, and this would probably be my only chance ever to go to the Mentawais, and my dad and I would love to go. So all in all, without Kelly and Andy, the sport of surfing would be very far behind.
February 13th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
With Kelly and Andy uniting in the sport of surfing, they will be known with the many greats like Shaq and Kobe, Rob and Big. Now they may of not ended good they were friends when it lasted. When friends are out there surfing, it’s your friends that are the ones who push you to go for that wave that looks ridiculous. We already seen these guys perform against each other and how that drove them to catch some of the craziest waves ever. Now we can see what these guys can do when they are really cheering for each other, nothing better than competing with a friend to get the wave of your life.
February 14th, 2009 at 12:52 am
like Andy said, he just wants to fall back in love with the sport that has given him so much. there are a few things could happen, ya they could push each other to go great things or even adopt a kid to make them the greatest surfer ever(haha). but i think Andy will look up to Kelly and try and enjoy the swells.first they have to just have fun and toy around and when the good times roll, that when the cool stuff begins. i bet anyone who is with a friend rides better than an enemy. in any ride its the ones who enjoy it more that do better. even in snowboarding and skating, there is no right or wrong way, just a better way.just let the wave set you free.
February 14th, 2009 at 10:17 am
The rivalry has been good for both thier careers and for the sport of surfing. There needs to be hyped-up controversey, whether media created or not, but not at the expense of crossing over to affect their personal lives. This saga that has continued for many years, has finally transgressed into the final chapter “the union” of two great surfers whether it was sought by A.I. or Kelley, or an outside source.The union of these two can and already has progressed the sport in ways by personally giving back to surfing, the communities around the world,the ocean and fighting for whats right and what you believe in including family and friends.Progressing the sport in mor e ways than “airs” and “rodeoflips” ever will. Mahalo
February 14th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Simply put rivalry is at the heart of sport. Doesn’t matter what the sport is, if there is a healthy rivalry people will tune in to see what happens. Let’s face it, sports are about competition more than anything else. No one wants to seem them “kiss and make up” we want to see them go at it until they can’t go at it anymore. When they aren’t competing they can open a surf shop together for all I care. Whether its Bird vs. Magic in basketball, Tyson vs. Hollyfield in boxing, or Slater vs. Irons, all sports need healthy rivalries. I guess the question is which will do more to progress the sport, unity or rivalry. The reality is people want to see rivalry, if they say otherwise they are lying!
February 14th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I feel that in any sport the competitive drive between two athletes is key. When one athlete does something that has never been done before, the other man is going to try to one up him. You see this all the time. Whether you call it a rivalry or not, it is there, and without it the progression of surfing would be a lot slower and a lot less fun to watch.
February 14th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I feel that in any sport the competitive drive between two athletes is key. When one athlete does something that has never been done before, the other man is going to try to one up him. You see this all the time. Whether you call it a rivalry or not, it is there, and without it the progression of surfing would be a lot slower and a lot less fun to watch
February 14th, 2009 at 11:36 am
In every sport there is going to be rivalries but in surfing thoes rivalries can quickley turn into friendships as seen with Kelly and Andy. If your a boxer and you are constently getting your ass kicked by the same guy your not going to like him. but in surfing you can learn from eachother so when Kelly was winning back to back to back to back world titles he is still learning from the guys surfing against him. like when he sees andy do a snap hi might say to himself oh if i tweak my snaps like that mabye ill get a few extra pionts and visa versa. This positive attitude will eventually lead better surfing and better friends. I would say that rivalries help the surfing industry in the long run.
February 14th, 2009 at 11:48 am
yea dude totally rad. you should totally win. transworld surf pick this man
February 14th, 2009 at 11:53 am
i agree with you 1000%. the first reply-er is talking out of his ass. how was there not a rivalry.Ten years this shit has been going on. TEN YEARS!! BITCH!! but it doesn’t matter it is all over now.
February 14th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I don’t feel good about this because gay marriage is not my cup of tea. But if Andy and Kelly did get together, it would be like Devito and Arnold in Twins. Unusual, but great in so many ways because then when Kelly gives birth to their child like Arnold in Junior, he would totally smoke everyone. Assuming its a boy though. If it’s a girl, it’d be almost as good, but not really. The dads would be a strong bond for surfing, as long as they don’t make it weird for everybody.
February 14th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
These heros rock way harder than Iron Maiden and Van Halen in the 80s. It would like getting bathed in golden sun rays of cheese in summertime. It would be like a jello bath with the cheerleader from Heroes and Pam Anderson’s tits. It would be like having $200 worth of tokens at Chuck E Cheese when you’re 7. It would be better then going to a strip club and beating up the bouncer then taking all the strippers home, then having them shower you with sweet sweet love in the tub. It would be more awesome then base jumping into a river of chocolate milk. It would be more incredible then catching a 1300 lb. marlin with cinnamon dental floss. It would be better arm wrestling a silverback gorilla in the wild and totally dominating. It would be more badass then Dolph Lundgren in Rocky 4 or Vin Diesel in anything.
February 14th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Kelly Slater and Andy Irons are two of the biggest names in surfing. People who have no clue about surfing can even tell you at least 3 facts about each of these surfers! Putting these names together will just make them even more popular! the more you hear their names the more surfing will progress.
February 15th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Now that Andy and Kelly have set their differences aside i think that they will fuel each others surfing. More importantly i think these epic surf trips they are taking will make good movies, 2 of the worlds best destroying some of the most perfect waves any of us has ever seen. just a thought. we can expect some big things out of these two
February 15th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Kelly and Andy’s putting the past behind them and moving forward in a positive way, like that trip they recently took together, showed the surf world that it’s not about where you’re from east coast surfers vs west coast. It’s for the love of the sport itself. To not let the world around you influence what you feel or think of one another. To quote Sal Masakela “kelly and Andy’s rivalry is the closest thing to Tupac and Biggie,minus their untimely deaths.” Just think, instead of hate, rumors and he said she said garbage. Stoke, respect, and love for surfing. AI and KS have progressed the sport already. To move on with a clean slate will progress more than a sport. It’s an example to us all!!
February 15th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
There is no doubt that the Andy Irons/Kelly Slater rivalry has done some great things for the sport of surfing. The conflict and tension of the Irons/Slater rivalry, for better or worse, definitely drummed up interest for the WCT and surfing in general. It’s my hope, now that maybe this rivalry has cooled down, that Slater and Irons can feel free to push each other in a more positive way. I would love nothing more than to see Kelly and Andy in another horse-race, although with Andy taking a break from the tour this will be less likely every year. I think it’s pretty clear, however, that Andy Irons and Kelly Slater are two of the best surfers of modern history. I think if these two rivals can come together and learn from each other, the rest of the surfing world can definitely learn from their example.
February 15th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Boobies, Rocky, and fishing… You rule man.
Oh yeah Andy and Bruce are rad too!!
February 15th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Slater and Irons thrive to be the leaders of their element. But to dominate anything in life, we need exposure to fierce competition.
We watch who wants it more? Who can go bigger, stronger, faster, session after session? These are the questions to be answered.
Finally, we see the union of the best. We see a union of the elite to teach the masses. The world will watch these specialists trade waves in search for ultimate stoke. This union is not only healthy, this progression is healthy.
Soon the masses will have a bench mark to apply. “If they can do it, I can do it!”
The world is looking forward to progression and change. The time is now, the place is the South Pacific. To progress the sport to it’s ultimate ability, we need the best to surf the best. Have fun Andy and Kelly! We’re watching you…
February 15th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
When I hear the two names Andy Irons and Kelly Slater only one thing comes to mind, God. Both are supreme beings that are one with life and all that is in it. Okay, that’s enough ass kissing hippy shit. The truth is their union will dramatically progress the world of surfing. The tension that was between AI and Kelly was between all surfers in a way. I know when I was surfing I used to scream out Kelly Slater and throw a huge hack off the lip. My friend would always respond psshhh that’s nothing, check out my AI. A good rivalry is great for everyone, east coast, west coast, north, or south it does not matter. The end of AI and Kelly’s rivalry has only opened the door for the next two surfers to walk through it and I personally cannot wait.
February 15th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
andy irons and kelly slater are awesome, they make up the world of surf!!! together, its like an atom bomb of knarly surf. ive done some surfing myself, and i cant decide who is better, but now i know that they are both great in their own way. this tells me that anything is possible, even riding those huge waves that these two can accomplish together.
February 15th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
personally, I liked it when they were at each others throats. They were both performing like mad men back then. Now Andy is basketcase because he cant get through his head that Kelly is just a mutant and that much better than him. The only reason they are “cool” now is because Andy gave up. Andy is going to be freesurfing now and hes going to go off the deep end again when all of Bruce’s video part are going to be way better. This will not progress surfing at all. They are both old and not creating new tricks. Progression is Dane, Dion, Dusty, and Bruce. Now if any of those guys found out how to have a man child with on of the other three mentioned, that offspring would bring on some progression.
February 15th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
KELLY AND ANDY WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER. PUT THESE TWO GUYS ON A BOAT OR AN ISLAND FOR 2 WEEKS AND POOF YOU GOT YOURSELF ONE INCREDIBLE PICTURE BOOK OF PROGRESSIVE SURFING. THERE HAS TO BE RIVALRY TO KEEP THING INTERESTING BUT SURF CONTEST WILL KEEP THE SPORT WEALTHY. IF THE KIDS NOW WOULD REALIZE YOU CAN PROGRESS FASTER AND STRONGER AS A TEAM WE COULD SEE SOME REAL SICK SHIT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. WE NEED TO KEEP SURFING IN THE HANDS OF SURFERS NOT SOME CORPERATE ASSHOLE WITH A SOFTBOARD AND A TRUST FUND THAT THINKS HE’S COOL. KELLY AND ANDY ARE MAJOR VOICES IN THE SURFING COMMUNITY AND THIER DEDICATION SHOWS AND IS RESPECTED BY MANY.
February 15th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
slater and andy? andy and slater? who else could people look up to its only you guys. you hold the sport of surfing down. period. make movies. billions of movies.. your the reason this site is running..
February 16th, 2009 at 2:50 am
Tension, animosity, envy, are all words that can describe the Slater Irons rivalry throughout the years. Kelly says it best when he states “when somebody fills that space, two people can’t”. This tension and competitive nature has brought out the best in their surfing, and the worst in their personalities. The exact reason why Slater had to take a break, and why Andy is now stepping away. When you are as passionate as these two, and anything but winning is failing, it becomes exhausting. Having the two put their competitive differences aside will help everyone understand that surfing has the possibility to move back to its origins. Progressive surfing outside the boundaries of the tour and competition, about a common love for the ocean, and fellow surfer. Hopefully we can all follow suit.
February 16th, 2009 at 4:56 am
this should win. the best response ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! even better then when jerry maguire said you had me at hello!
February 16th, 2009 at 4:59 am
I look fuckin hot in a bikini and ahh I’m fuckin down!
February 16th, 2009 at 5:00 am
holler back! ha ha ha no. but really! ha ha ha
February 16th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Kelly has said he wants to write a book about performance surfing. A book about mechanics and technique from Kelly would be really good, but a collaboration with the Irons brothers’ production company could and would take it to the next level. Most surf tip stuff doesn’t hold a candle to practice, but once in a while you get a gem that just fast forwards your skill set by months. Andy wants to rediscover his love for surfing and it also seems like he wants to give back, and not just in the context of the Kauai event. A video companion to a Slater book with built-in slow-mo and Slater/Irons commentary would not be your standard “pump a bunch and try 1000 flyaways” tip. It would fast-forward the sport.
February 16th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I agree with what you said about it not being about east coast vs west coast. The part about people letting the world influence our opinions of one another is a sad but true. We could all learn a lesson from them letting the past be the past. Out of all of these, I have to say, yours is truely insightful on the rivalry and the truth about letting the past go and moving on towards the future! I HOPE YOU WIN!!!
February 16th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
we all know how surfing with our friends is way more laid back makeing it easier to excell in our sport because we dont have the pressure of trying to be better than the other but just being out there to have fun. so now that Andy and Kelly are cool with each other they can go out and surf and be focused on getting their own game better and just haveing fun instead of trying to figure a out a way they can beat each other in compititions and with their fists. this should be a reminder to the world of surfing that its not just about winning the next compitition its about getting back the why we first loved it.
February 16th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
ya huntz
February 16th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
It’s like the old saying goes: “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” Of course, Andy and Kelly are not genuine enemies, but have been made so by a winner-take-all contest format and by a hype-hungry surf media. However, the rivalry is something we all have reason to appreciate. The combo the perfect personification of a living, breathing yin yang. At this point, the excellence of one doesn’t exist without the excellence of the other. Andy forces Kelly to relax and sink deeper into his peace-minded meditation of fluid motion; and Kelly forces Andy to tighten his grip, increase his torque, and swing his battle axe harder. The end result is that we all witness the most powerful, mature, and progressive surfing the world has yet known. Keep the hype coming. So far it’s going just swell.
February 16th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Seeing Andy and Kelly shred together in an epic surf session is like watching a version of “Star Wars” where Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader are fighting on the same side… wow that was nerdy. But my point is with two of the most God-gifted surfers on the planet surfing the same sessions, it could mean a new age of surfing that has never been seen before in our generation. I don’t know where it’s going from here, but it sure as hell made a good start.
February 16th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
At twelve years of age I’m still what you may call naive and haven’t found out all the hard truths of the world. But one truth I’m sure of is that the rivalry between Kelly Slater and Andy Irons is more intense than the burning fires of hell. Bringing these two together out of rivalhood might be a cataclysmic explosion of awsomeness. Now that they’re not at eachother’s throats and are sort of like bros this could exel their surfing even further. There’s a scary thought. When Andy returns to the tour on his own terms the shreddability level’s gonna be off the roof. I can already tell that there’ll be tears shed and pants wetted from the other top forty five once the surfing world has two Kelly’s on the WCT. This could be the most innovative thing since Dane Reynolds!
Peace Out Transworld
February 16th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Slater and Irons, what a great combo of rivalry. well them two uniting would make it even better because of the explosive talent in between them. With them being boys, They could show everybody how good they both are instead of always competing and the people judging the two. That is pretty scary considering they are the two best surfers in th world. Being a fan of both, i would really like to see them together. It could make them both better by learning form eachother instead of thinking, “what a crap move”, or “bro, u need to quit before i dust you”. Actually i would rather have it as “damn bro, that was sick. Show me how.” So all in all with them having peaceful unity, it can progress the sport by having shown incredible talent (of course) and by showing peacefulness instead of hatred. thank you
February 16th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Slater and Irons, what a combination of rivalry. Imagine them being friends and learning from each other instead of always in a heated competition. That would be amazing because they are probaly best surfers in the world, and they are going to be learning from each other? That is almost impossible to imagine. So instead of them always yelling at each other in the water, They could be giving each other tips and that would incredibly progress each surfer’s talents. Also this would give kids encouragement of unity and peacefulness instead of hatred. Thank You
February 16th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
A mysterious and tropical far away island. Two of the best and most prolific surfers of our time. Almost “alien” like surfing going down. Sounds like a weird surf inspired episode of Lost (minus the killer polar bear, that Andy and Kelly would have easily destroyed anyway.) So who’s to say what “really” happened on that island. Are we supposed to believe that it was just two former rivals getting together to bury the hatchet and surf perfect waves? Hardly, what really happened is alot more sinsiter. Andy and Kelly were on that island to transfer their DNA into a super, surf inspired creature capable of anything from late drops into 60 foot Waimea to making perfect 6 ft 540 airs with ease. This new Slater, Andy hybrid will undoubtedly progress the sport of surfing to new even more unattainable heights for mere mortals but will still face fierce competition from it’s only formidable foe… Dane Reynolds.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Every sport has a rivalry that transcends the sport. This transcending rivalry between AI and Slater has a vast effect of the surfing world. When the two best athletes in a sport can push each other to the limits, in competition barriers can be broken. The bar has been set high by these two and it is a rivalry that can be paralleled to all great sports rivalries. Slater made AI a better surfer. AI pushed Slater to reach heights never accomplished in surfing. Part of the reason Slater retired on top is because great competitors need to be constantly challenged. Slater did not find that until AI started pushing him. Slater was then able to change the face of competitive surfing through the challenges that AI put upon him.
February 17th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
The righteous rivalry between kelly slater and al should progress the sport of surfing because kelly slater is one of the most famous surfers of the world and al is anohter great surfer. So in would definitely make the competition of surfing more interesting.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
i think that by them gettin cool with eatchother both of their surfing will get better. because theyre feeding off eatchother. they are always going to want to be better than the other and i think, that right there is elevating the sport in itself. hook me up with that package you guys will be the sh%t and ill get to surf waves i only get to see in mags and movies.im from south fl.hook it up!
February 18th, 2009 at 12:27 am
To put it simply, the union of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons would push the sport to a new level. Each amazing surfers with tons of experience and style. Even though they might not be competing against each other, they would be still fighting for the best overall wave, causing each other to try new things and create new moves. With these legends together a new indifferent way to hit the lip or air could be formed. Kelly and Andy would push each other to new levels trying to get deeper into the barrel and go for longer which could set new standards for the surfing world. If Slater and Irons rid themselves of their hate and push each other there could be a new way to surf, a surfing revolution caused by two legends coming together to increase the popularity of surfing and set a new standard.
already posted above. this is the new e-mail adress
February 18th, 2009 at 9:16 am
jerry didn’t say that, Rene’s charactor did. DUH! and yeah, out of all these you think meow should win? You’re an idiot!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Nice. Suezie, you naled it Babe!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Their union? sounds a bit like a marriage proposal ? not sure if their ladies got that tip yet. I believe that with them coming together and sharing a lineup, it will and should allow their main sponsors to show and sell even more products. How might this be progression? If they step up to the plate and give back to the environment by marketing that they are doing good deads and with all recycled gear. It is time. Like Andy putting it to that kook who dropped on Kelly, shows that no matter who and where, you have to give,show respect to fellow surfers. What will it do for progressing the phsyical aspect of the sport, keep the groms working hard and elevating the bar with kelly’s “tenth” and Andy’s up and coming free surf slaughter.
February 18th, 2009 at 11:30 am
The rivalry between kelly slater and andy irons will most likely make a huge progression in the sport of surfing. The two enemies practically consider each other brothers. When andy was little he considered Kelly as his hero and wanted to be as good as him. Their rivalry will have a huge impact on upcoming surfers who consider them as heros.
February 18th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
the rivalry of Andy Irons and Kelly Slater is going to keep going until there older. I think that both of them will keep competing until either one of them win the next title. Andy and Kelly consierded each other brothers becouse when kelly was younger andys dad took him under his wing and taught him every thing ther is to know about surfing and then when he was 16 or 17 he went out on his on and became a pro surfer. so there rivarly started when they were real young and keep going until they are both older men. the rivarly is helping the sport of surfing becouse it shows good sportsman ship and helps grams to be good sports and to realy compete to be good surfers.
February 18th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Andy wants to “fall in love with surfing again.” How do you fall out of love with surfing? Who cares if they are friends or foes. Kelly will continue to push himself to be a better surfer, because he is a champion at heart. There are numerous surfers waiting to fill the void left by A.I. and those surfers will shape the sport in years to come.
February 18th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
between them they are everything that is good and bad about surfing. they represent the competitive, commercialized monster that surfing has become, and the same monster that both have become disillusioned with at one time or another. on the other hand they represent the incredible joy and possibility that surfing can bring to anyone. in the end they are two very similar and very different people that both motivate us all to go push ourselves further doing what we love. . . now give me the free shit.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Rivalries define people! I grew up with older brothers and competition was second nature growing up which luckily remains with me today. Slater and Andy aren’t brothers but their rivalry started at birth with their siblings and matured through adulthood. They are the best surfers of our time; world champions who everyone looks up too… even you Cote. The two of them calling a cease fire is a brief reprieve until 2010. Everyone needs a moment for themselves and AI will return to fight… it is who he is, a champion. Expect many more historic battles between the two best surfers in the world as well as the others who kill it everyday. The rivalry makes surfing better because it is the catalyst for progression which is defining our era of surfing.
Send me to the Mentawais and I might gladly never return. Thanks AI & Company.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Read the entire article in the mag and you’ll realize its all perspective. It’s his job to surf and he wants it to be his hobby again, but make money in the process… he wants to have his cake and eat it too. You obviously don’t have to make that decision so all we can ask from you is don’t hate on the man for telling you how he sees his life. Keep surfing and no hard feelings.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
As said by both AI & Slater, the media hyped the rivalry which antagonist the two of them or better yet motivated them do surf better. There are plenty of unsung heroes who kill it and don’t compete and much respect to them. Kelly and Andy compete not just with each other but with the best in the world for money and respect. They’re ridding a different stoke which is bigger than surfing better than last session; their trying to surf better than everyone else. It is all your preference and motivation, respect each others choice and carve your own path.
February 18th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I believe that it can push the sport by showing us that any of us normal people, just like them, CAN do anything we want if we work for/at it. Take that chance! Go to that spot you’ve only heard of and hope it’s as perfect as everyone says! Drop in behind that
peak and keep those eyes opened! Go for the dusk session even though your wetty is dripping and sandy! Ask that bombshell out to lunch and at least get her number if she denies you! Enter that dream giveaway and pray that someone reads your shit and says,”that ryan needs this hookup fa sho”.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Well Said Man!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Very True, it’s our lifestyle and their (AI & Kelly’s) sport. Keeping surfing bro.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Who cares, be happy. Become a trial lawyer and make money… it might make you happy.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
My money was always on the Ultimate Warrior.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Choclate pudding works but so does a hot tub… I mean I agree.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Good luck in life!
February 19th, 2009 at 2:48 am
The unforgettable photo of the standoff between Slater and AI at the Red Bull house in Hawaii was reminiscent to that of the student v. tank photo taken in Tiananmen Square, China in 1989. A gutsy youngster staring into the face of a seemingly unstoppable beast. If someone hadn’t stepped out and made a move, that tank would have kept on going. Andy stepped up, and since then, it has been known as one of the greatest rivalries in surfing history. To bring these two icons together on the same trip and to the best surf destination money can buy was like bringing the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland out to dinner together, it just wasn’t going to happen. But it did. And now surfing has become not only a means of camaraderie but a way to settle our differences.
February 19th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Best friends are people we just like being with; our stories don’t even matter. We just like to hang out. Kelly and Andy will never be best friends. There is a certain tension whenever they occupy the same space. We’ve all seen it.
However, “great friends,” as opposed to “best friends,” are the ones who bring out the best in us. These are the true value-added relationships in life. Kelly and Andy have become different, and better, individuals, because of this.
February 19th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Ok… so I’m reading the part of the Transworld article where Andy and Kelly are imagining punching each other’s heads and there comes the audible laugh in an otherwise silent room.
Now I believe.
There was a true, raw rivalry between Kelly and Andy over the years, and at the core, it wasn’t the fabrication of media forces. They both felt it. Vehemently. Such an honest and open spewing of feelings can only mean one thing:
Everything’s off their chests. And because of it, they’ll both be charging harder.
February 19th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Andy’s and Kelly’s relationship/rivalry will progress our sport because it will give Matthew McConakook an idea to make another terrible movie. The general public will see this film and think that all surfers are idiots. Not wanting to be viewed as idiots, they will not want to learn to surf. This will naturally lead to less crowded lineups which will allow for experienced surfers to catch a greater number of waves. This will accelerate progression.
February 19th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
AI will trade his board in for whatever kelly is riding and the he’ll wonder why a haole still dominates hardcore. Next year, we will be putting in entries for andy’s stuff, but kelly and dane will be the ones with the rivalry. and whoever wins this thing will trade andy’s board for whatever kelly’s riding. Andy will probably benefit the most from this…chris cote will take surfing to the next level by landing a kickflip.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:20 am
The union of Andy Irons and Kelly Slater at this time and point can only be viewed on a level of respect for one another. It’s a union similar to that of when two great boxers embrace after one of their hands has just been hoisted up in the air. Progression only ensues after a rematch has been scheduled. There are few surfers in this world that can defeat Kelly Slater in a heat and as Kelly aims for his immortalizing 10th world title, Andy has taken himself clearly out of the equation by announcing his semi-retirement from the WCT. Respect is clearly important in the world of surfing but competitiveness is what drives progression. That’s why I can only see the sport of surfing as becoming stale if not receding by this non-confrontational and uncompetitive union.
February 20th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Glad you asked Transworld Gods. The union of Andy and Kelly putting their feud that was fueled by media and their desire to take out who was #1, which for a while now has been each other can progress surfing in several ways. One it shows that communicating to each other how each other made the other feel their example will be for all that pay attention to them to squash the past, man up and move yourself forward, role models. Two, their surfing that trip an from here forward will feel reborn, they will both start ripping even more and be able to contrentrate and rip to the next level, good luck to those on the WCT Tour this year. And b/c of their level rising people like me that are psyched on their surfing will also progress. Thank you Andy and Kelly.
February 20th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I don’t think Kelly Slater’s surfing will be affected. He’s going to surf as well as he has been for a long time. He is an amazing surfer but i don’t think he’s exactly pushing the envelope right now. Not as far as progressive surfing. He can still drop the jaws of all the WCT judges and win gouge and tube fest contests but he’s no aerial wizard. Andy Irons on the other hand i think needs that rivalry to make him more motivated; and although he’s not competing right now he’s not done showing the world that Kelly Slater isn’t the only phenom of this sport. If anything these two masters putting their differences aside will open the door for some younger guns to show us the future of our kick-ass sport.
February 20th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
The union of two rivals in any situation will ultimately lead to the betterment of the whole as it will conclude with either the rivalry intensifying, which produces a higher level of competition from each competitor, or both will come away with a whole new outlook on each others views and styles which will lead to a different level of style of competition.
Either situation will provide the onlookers, followers and students a better spectacle in which to try and emulate.
February 20th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
but what do i know im just a grom thanks for givin me a shot at this you guys are awsome keep it up
February 21st, 2009 at 2:12 am
The reunion of Kelly and Andy will give birth to a sic video, dude’s all over the world will get stoked, they will go out and hook up with their respected chicks, make babies, make their kids grow up to this kelly vs. andy video, then there will be a bunch of groms who are pumped to surf, try some new airs and then create a whole new “pre”-school surf era.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:19 am
The Reunion of these two will be monumental. I believe with the two settling their differences will promote the sport to a new level. If they work with each other more in the future they can influence the surf world on a very positive note. When I read the latest issue of TWSurf I was really shocked to hear they planned to meet, settle differences, and make a surf movie. I really enjoyed the article Sal put together. TWsurf couldn’t have picked a better person to do the interview. I really enjoy watching Andy and Kelly surf. I believe you either love one or hate the other. To see them try to settle the score gives me equal respect to the both of them. Indeed there will still be a rivalry, but to know they don’t want to knock each other out will make it even better.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Even though Irons has now retired and Slater is undeniably the best surfer in the world, these two are icons of the sport nonetheless. Slater once said that the only surfer he had doubts about going up against on the tour was Irons. When bringing two of the most perfected styles in surfing history together, the progression of the sport goes haywire. Bonds are remade and a part of surfing becomes more settled once one of the biggest feuds in surfing eases out. My point is, that when a feud settles in surfing, it is a happier thing to be in. Hence the progression of the sport.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
not bad at all
February 21st, 2009 at 5:43 pm
A union ? Andy and Kelly surfed together and had a good time.It won’t progress the sport of surfing any more than me winning the trip to Kandui , which would be AWESOME.I’m Glad they had a good time!
February 22nd, 2009 at 4:00 am
Tupac and Biggie, Dodgers & Giants, Slater & Irons. There’s something to be said for great rivalries where outside hatred propagates a higher level of passion. There’s no doubt that Kelly and Andy are the best contemporary competitive surfers, but to see them bury the hatchet wouldn’t only mitigate their competitive juices but would regress surfing as well. A mutual respect is expected and a friendly relationship at a later time should be fostered, but the last thing I’d want to see is them holding hands while walking out to the finals of the pipe masters. To progress surfing further than they already have these two have to compete at the highest level, if that means they’re drowning each other for set waves, then so be it. And I’m sure as long as Andy’s off tour next year, Kelly will know exactly where Damo is.
February 22nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
This new union between Andy and Kelly is going to last for how long? These two kill it, no doubt about that. The rivalry charged their emotions to want to progress and be better than one another. In doing so they have brought surfing to an ultimate level of progression. There is amplitude brought on by competitiveness. With out competition there is hardly any progress in any sport.I think when your enemy becomes your friend, it’s a lot like growing up. You put aside your different-sis and move on with whats better. I think the union of these two is going to push the sport to a new level of progression. Tey’re going to feed off eachother’s energy and straight tear it up.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I have the sneaking suspicion that we’re going to see truly incredible things progress in the sport of surfing due to Bruce Irons and Kelly Slater. As the gates of the WCT pen open up they are able to roam about the globe and single-handedly progress the sport. In the last couple of years, with each one of the two winning multiple titles, the other competitors know that the race is on, and at any moment Kelly or Andy will shoot in and sneak away with the title. Both have a competitive side that heat up competitions and make them that much more amazing to watch. They also show young kids, like myself, growing up how to represent a sponsor, and represent them well!!! Both quicksilver and billabong are probably both stoked to know that they have two of the top surfers in the world riding under their name.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I have the sneaking suspicion that we’re going to see truly incredible things progress in the sport of surfing due to Bruce Irons and Kelly Slater. As the gates of the WCT pen open up they are able to roam about the globe and single-handedly progress the sport. In the last couple of years, with each one of the two winning multiple titles, the other competitors know that the race is on, and at any moment Kelly or Andy will shoot in and sneak away with the title. Both have a competitive side that heat up competitions and make them that much more amazing to watch. They also show young kids, like myself, growing up how to represent a sponsor, and represent them well!!! Both quicksilver and billabong are probably both stoked to know that they have two of the top surfers in the world riding under their name.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
For the last decade, Kelly Slater and Andy Irons have lifted the levels of surfing and progressed the sport more than anyone could have ever imagined. Through their bitter rivalry, both emerged stronger in and out of the water. Their trip to Kandui and their ability to become united illusrates that our sport isn’t about who is best and who can win, in the end it’s about the friends you make and surfing for the love of the sport. Andy and Kelly have gone full circle, showing that their love of surfing exceeds the desire for a great rivalry. They proved that friendship is more inportant than anything, and if two people push each other, the outcome is much greater. As a grom, I can say that the union of Andy and Kelly has inspired me to be the best person I can and now I just want to go surf!!!
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Rivalry in sports is a good thing. It pushes us all to try harder and be better. They both are getting older though and with age people tend to mellow out and stop worrying about petty stuff that in the end really doesnt matter. The rivalry was good for both of there careers and pushed them to be better surfers. That being said I doubt they ever become best friends but to clear the smoke and to see the others guys perspective helps to give a form of peace to the situation that I’m sure they are both looking for. And Andy’s character really stands out when he gets on the guys case for cutting off Kelly, thats a pretty stand up move.
February 22nd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
It would be good for surfing for these two guys to bury the hatchet.
Everyone’s got to learn how to get past these things. It would set a good example for the groms to see that you can be competitive with each other and still be respectful. It’s more fun that way.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:46 am
Andy & kelly both rip super hard. When u get a bunch of rippers together they only see guys boosting & getting fat barrels, doing sick turns. So they want to be better than the other guy so they push themselves to the limit. they both have a bunch of world titles so that explains it all. Get them together & you will will see some crazy shit going down
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:47 am
So the union of these to extremely talented atheletes, ANDY IRONS and KELLY SLATER, would excel the sport of surfing in so many ways. There will be no more rivals and everyone will feed off each others energy. The professional concept of surfing will be not a big deal any more but just another way to get together with your friends to surf amazing sessions with just a couple people in the line up. Photos and videos will be more important to compare to others so they can learn and see how they can do it better with out becoming over whelmed that someone is doing it more radical. Then Kelly and Andy will be able to sit down compare when they retire and the sport will become more radical then before. They will become surfing coach of the world team and they will teach everyone how to do it better. Thats why everyone should be friends but the old saying goes “keep your enemy’s closer then your friends”
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Andy Irons and Kelly Slater two of the worlds best surfers are rivals, but that is what pushes them to progress the sport of surfing by challenging each other, but also challenging other surfers alike to push them to there greatness and make surfing better then what it is. These two are not there to be rivals the rest of there lives, just two friends that want to push each other to there greatness but also just have fun and love for what they do best surfing. That how they are going to progress surfing is by letting people know yes its good to have rivalries, but to push each other to make surfing greater for the future.
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
So the union of these to extremely talented atheletes, ANDY IRONS and KELLY SLATER, would excel the sport of surfing in so many ways. There will be no more rivals and everyone will feed off each others energy. The professional concept of surfing will be not a big deal any more but just another way to get together with your friends to surf amazing sessions with just a couple people in the line up. Photos and videos will be more important to compare to others so they can learn and see how they can do it better with out becoming over whelmed that someone is doing it more radical. Then Kelly and Andy will be able to sit down compare when they retire and the sport will become more radical then before. They will become surfing coach of the world team and they will teach everyone how to do it better. Thats why everyone should be friends but the old saying goes “keep your enemy’s closer then your friends”
and Andy Irons and Kelly Slater two of the worlds best surfers are rivals, but that is what pushes them to progress the sport of surfing by challenging each other, but also challenging other surfers alike to push them to there greatness and make surfing better then what it is. These two are not there to be rivals the rest of there lives, just two friends that want to push each other to there greatness but also just have fun and love for what they do best surfing. That how they are going to progress surfing is by letting people know yes its good to have rivalries, but to push each other to make surfing greater for the future.Dav
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
What can be said about the rivalry between two of the greatest surfers of their time. There have been other rivaries in the sport and from these emerge someone even greater. Young surfers look up to the old guard for inspiration and motivation to go bigger, turn harder and park it deeper in the tube. Rivalries have always pushed the sport but this one has been charged from the beginning and I don’t beleive it is even close to being over. The only differnce is now the competion may be between two friends, which is maybe what the sport needs.
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I was lucky enough to be on the North Shore the winter of 2003 and sat on the beach and watched Slater and Andy battle it out in the final heat of the Pipe Masters to determine the world champ. The energy on the beach and the stoke of everyone watching way amazing and something you have to experience in person to fully understand. It’s the rivalry between these two that created this stoke and it’s something I don’t want to see leave. I think it’s cool that Kelly and Andy got together for this featured surf trip. But the real progression will come when they’re both out in the water trying to beat each other.
February 23rd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I think that the union of Kelly and Andy is a very good thing for our sport. The whole surfing world is so caught up in who’s the best and who rips the hardest, that we’ve lost sight of what’s really important and why we started surfing in the first place, which is too have fun. Sometimes, I see others come in more frustrated than before they paddled out, which even I am guilty of doing from time to time. So what’s that say about how our sports progressed? From the laid-back days of the Hawaiians and the soul surfers, too today with everyone is in it for themselves and no longer cares about his fellow surfing brothers. The union of these two bitter rivals and amazing surfers is setting a good example for the younger surfers as well, I would know seeing that I’m only 17. So if these long term rivals can get along and can surf together without tearing each others heads off and have fun, then we all should be able to surf together as well.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
THE UNION OF KELLY AND ANDY IS A ANTAGONISTIC REVELRY OF COMBUSTBLE TALENT,STYLE AND MYSTIQUE.THESE CHAMPIONS HAVE INVIGORATED THE COMPETITIVE MACROCOSM OF THE SPORT AND MADE IT MORE CAPTIVATING AS WELL.KELLY WITH HIS CELEBRITY MIND JACK AND ANDY WITH HIS QUIESCENT GQ POWER TRIP HAVE PROGRESSED THE SPORT NOT ONLY IN THE PHSICAL STATE BUT MENTAL AS WELL. PS:KANDUI-CANDO
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm
every sport no matter what it is will always have rivalries in it. Having rivalries will push each other to be their best to progress with their skills. Kelly and Andy are top surfers bring them together not only to compete but maybe learn from each other to make the sport even better. It is not only them that could progress surfing but every surfer out there in the world. Everyone has their own style, their own flare with how they surf. Progress with sports is about learning from others and try to make it better. How about lets all just go out and surf and throw the sickest sh** anyone could possibly do
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:12 pm
All I know is that if Slater and AI elevate the pro level of surfing much farther, any dream most of us kids have of being a pro one day is all but f**ked. Unless we refine our skills with a badass, one of a kind trip to the Kandui Resort!
February 24th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Once upon a time when i was a little grom Kelly came to my local surf shop (Surfabout, Ventnor, New Jersey) and bumped into me when he was nervously looking through merchandise for no reason. The crew was the one10two40 video promo from quickie (Jeff Booth and Tom Carrol were there. So this was before the sensationalism and the hype, and the internet, b4 fantasy surfer and the uber cool rep you got because you surf or wear the apparell. Andy and Kelly burying the hatchet at Kandwi hopefully will get us back to what surfing meant to me when i was a grom: The intrinsic reward of being PART of a select clan. The rivalry is not surfing in its entirety, and no one surfer reigns supreme forever. Didn’t the article say that Kelly wanted to shape a board for Andy. That seems like the start of progress to me–sharing information for philanthropic what have you…hey Kelly put an order in for me.
February 24th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
First off quickly, met Kelly & Andy in SB the other day for the premiere. Sick film, loved all of it! I think that because they are working together now, they’ll be able to infuse a positivty into their competitive surfing and their surfing will progress with this new friendly competition. They are at the top, and two top guys working together should yield some great things.
February 24th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
i think you’re also retarded too. closet mates? rooting each other like rabbits? You definitely have some f-d up homo erotic fantasies playing out in your mind. Or is this what you call imagination? or humor? weak.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
If you really think about it, surfing is a very selfish sport. Ya its the best thing ever when you go out and shred with your friends and have a good time, but what you are really trying to do is catch the best and the most waves you possibly can. Surfing is a very competative sport. I think kelly and Andy coming together is one of the best things to ever happen in the world of surfing. But i believe that surfing will progress mostly not when they are together, but when they are apart and pushing each other to the limit. And i have no doubt that when Kelly and Andy are against each other, you are not going to want to miss it.
February 24th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
The union of Andy and Kelly may not progress the sport of surfing. If anything their rivalry progressed the sport of surfing more than a union. A rivalry breeds competition which will make individuals attempt more progressive surfing. As such, their union may hinder surfing as opposed to helping it to progress.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
The union of Andy and Kelly will progress the sport of surfing because as we all know, success breeds success. By breaking down their walls and having the ability to discuss competitive strategies, it can elevate the level of each of their surfing. This may set an example for the younger generation to push each other and work in conjunction with each other in order to progress quicker than they would have on their own.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:25 am
I tend to think the sport would progress more or at a faster rate if both Kelly and Andy would be dueling it out on the “CT” right up against the last event of the year. Once one of them starts to break away from the pack, competitors relax and the level of competition goes down; I believe this happens not just to Kelly and AI but to everyone.
Now following my initial belief, the union between Kelly and AI might bring the sport to the next level by helping AI find his competitive drive again. By this I mean he might want to come back to the CT and kick Kelly’s butt, bringing a new level of excitement and competition to both them and other competitors. Just imagine the headlines “AI returns from retirement/break and steals Kelly’s 11th title at PIPE”
Just my 2 cents, see you in Kandui
February 25th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I’m gonna go with the metaphors/similies here, but Surfing without Kelly and Andy is like;
-Baseball without the roids.
-The Government without corrupt leaders
-Basketball without those really tall Asian dudes
-Mexico without tacos
-Ice skating without Tanya Harding
-France without beautiful women
-Tennis without John McEnroe
-Germany without beer
-James Bond without his charm or martini
-The Kandui resort without me
I’ve got plenty more, but I think we all get the point. All these relationships may not always be pretty, but they make for some damn exciting entertainment and really good times!
February 25th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
The union of Kelly Slater and Andy Irons will definately spark progression in surfing by creating the sense of friendship in surfing that it has been losing. What i mean by this is that surfing has changed into a competition at my local breaks in south florida, fights break out all the time over who’s wave is who’s and what not, and that is not how i viewed surfing. My view of surfing is a sport that is based on friendship, friends go with you to go surf, they try harder when you are surfing better, friends help friends achieve their goals all the time. Kelly and Andy are bringing are making progression in bringing back the old style of surfing which was mellow and happy. Their friendship shows all of us that even 2 surfers who should be rivals can be friends because surfing is about friendship and happiness, not competition.
February 25th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Andy and Kelly united means the kids of next generation will see how it’s good for “surfing” to have friendly rivals. It doesnt have to be all Bloods, Crips and the KKK. It’s all in good fun plus, it means the Aussies and the rest of the world will have to charge even harder on tour. All this equals to the progression of surfing at its best. Go USA/Hawaii!!! TWS and the people of Kandui!!!
February 25th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
The union of Kelly and Andy would progress the sport of surfing to it’s fullest through *KAndy. Everybody loves *KAndy especially the kids. The kids are the progressing new generation of surfing, always are and always will be. So, if the kids have *KAndy, they’ll be progressing surfing by mixing Kelly’s competitive focus and Andy’s fluid style. By the time Kelly and Andy are off the tour, you’ll have some badass, fearless nuts who, can take beatings from the fans all year long as well as bombs on the head at Pipe, and have greater rivalries with their “friends,” not like all this fake ass media sh*t that people are banking on force fed to surfers who read tabloid surf mags. Catch one in Kandui for me!
*KAndy-Respect for Kelly Slater and Andy Irons and the love of surfing.
The best thing out of a united Kelly Slater and Andy Irons would be a bigger rival between continents. As we all know, rivalries spark competition. If Andy had the focus Slater has, Andy would be an even stronger powerhouse then Slater himself.If Slater had Andy’s knowledge of the Triple Crown, Slater would be making a competitional focus and became a union it would be along time before the Aussies could even place second on the CT’. The world versus Kelly and Andy is a great duo the USA/Hawaii could
Although the WCT is every man for himself. A union between Kelly and Andy would mean rivals on a bigger level. A united Kelly and Andy could collaberate on ways keep rivals down, making it hard for the Aussies to even make second. But for surfing in general. How would these two surfing titans together progress surfing? leave everybody elseThe best progress about having to of the best surfers in the world become a union will show everybody that they are friends and they make the best out
February 25th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
The bottom line is that after Kelly wins #10 this year, he’s going to retire from competitive surfing. Everyone wants to believe that Andy is going to make a comeback in 2010, but I don’t see that happening. From what I’ve read in the media, AI has almost overstated the fact that he has won his titles. To me, it is like him saying, “Been there, done that”. My speculation is this: the Union of AI and K9 will progress the sport of surfing because it will set both of them free. The rivalry will continue (amicably) and they will push each other to new heights, depths, and displacements. Mass psyching will ensue inspiring everyone from groms to grannies. It will progress surfing into the new realm of ageless defiance-I can’t wait.
February 25th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Better yet - ageless Brofiance. Boom!
February 25th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
If Andy and Kelly come together, they will inspire each other and push each other to surf harder and better. Like when i surf with friends or see others do something sick, it makes me try it until i can do it. Even though Kelly and Andy set aside their differences, they will always be pushing each other to surf harder in contests and competitions because no matter what, one will always want to be the best. These two will keep progressing surfing by inspiring younger surfers to push the limits. Kids are becoming pro younger and younger these days.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I think it will do little to nothing. Surfing naturally progresses on its own. Sure there are those stand-outs like Andy and Kelly that everyone looks up to and wants to surf like, but with age things change. And surfing will continue to change with or without the “union” of Kelly and Andy.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I think it will do little to nothing. Surfing naturally progresses on its own. Sure there are those stand-outs like Andy and Kelly that everyone looks up to and wants to surf like, but with age things change. And surfing will continue to change with or without the “union” of Kelly and Andy.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Sports is all about competition. No one likes to lose. If the competition is pushing you, you work harder. Its good to have Andy and Kelly in the same era. It sucks to have one guy blow everyone else away. They continue to push each other to new limits. This trip will show that 2 very different personalities can come together, drive each other to ‘up the ante’ and give us the show of a lifetime.
Can’t wait to see Andy back surfing against Kelly in 2010.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Our great Nation of Surfers has been caught up in the midst of a civil war fracturing this once indivisible community of surfers, into two camps. BUT REJOICE! Redemption day has come at last to surfdom! Dividing lines are erased, and bros can once again watch web cast shoulder to shoulder.
Andy and Kelly’s focuses have for too long now been to simply finish ahead of their nemesis, or suffer a month long depression and fits of frustration between world tour events. Now the tides have shifted and will allow the best two surfers in the world to unleash their true talent and genius. By affording them the opportunity to go for more risky, more challenging maneuvers that will progress this great sport of surfing for years to come! Because if they falter they are not loosing to their mortal enemy, but witnessing their Bro WIN!
February 25th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
The union of Kelly and Andy really is what surfing is all about. For them to put their past behind and just focus on being the best surfers they can be I think will really inspire surfers out there. There is a quote in your “Kelly and Andy Collide” issue and Kelly, talking about their trip says,”… in years past and you know things are kinda weird and you know all the sudden it just seemed like right now…” and you can really see what surfing can do for people when you take away all of the world titles and stuff like that. This rivalry will always be remembered and these two will continue to push each other and although they went through some rough times, those times really helped them to become what they are today.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Just because surf is the best lifestyle we´ve ever seen, so , the best surfers in the world have de response to show that in the best way !!!!
February 26th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
As a surfer who picked up the sport at the ripe old age of 35, one thing I had diffuculty with was the competitiveness in the line-up to catch a wave. It was tough to progress at times due to the hostilility of others in the water. I know consider myself an intermediate surfer who will never forget the trials and tribulations of being a beginner. As a result, I always make a conscious effort to make everyone feel comfortable in the line-up, regardless of ability. I truly believe in the “Aloha Spirit” of surfing, it has enriched my life tremendously.The union of Kelly and Andy gives me faith that true rivals can look beyond competitive differences and appreciate each others talents, while still putting all their effort towards winning titles. Surfing has given me new found determination, humility and an activity I can enjoy the rest of my years. But most of all, it has given me friendships I will cherish for life. Here’s to Kelly and Andy keeping the peace.
February 26th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
this union has already shown promise to the sport with mag covers, fly in the champagne, talk about andy using kelly freinds for finance, etc… Were all going to watch both the tour to see what kelly does and ready and watch videos to see what andy is doing. That in itself is progression and them being friends is why all this is happening so fast, it’s hype and who (surfers) doesn’t like new hype. I know it helps me get through a hard day at the office! rock out with your *&^% out!
February 26th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
“Greatness” is an overused term at best, but when used to describe someone like Kelly Slater and Andy Irons the word might not be emphatic enough. As a 9 time world champ, Slater’s greatness is indisputable and AI, being a four time world champ is not too shabby either.
Mind you, Slater and AI will never be mentioned as pioneers of surfing by introducing new aerials, or re-define big wave surfing, but they will be remembered for their tenacity and fearlessness during a competition. They know what it takes to win, and that is what drives them. That is the common denominator that binds the two together and elevates them from others.
What will be accomplished by them surfing together? I don’t know but I guarantee you WILL witness the greatest game of “Can you top this,” by the two greatest competitive surfers of all time thus elevating competitive surfing.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
All sports need icons like Andy and Kelly to promote the sport, push the sport and generally inspire. Why this is important for surfing is that it keeps it interesting, and surfers, just like artists, are always looking for inspiration. Slater and Irons have innovated and taken the sport to new levels, and kids these days are looking up to them for direction, imitating and taking it to new heights. This is shown in the new Malloy Bros videos, One Track Mind, and can be seen in videos like the young guns series. If you call it a union, I look at it as if it were Jordan and Pippen: Two seamless athletes creating magic on the hardcourt. Kelly and Andy are heavyweights in the water, and whatever you call it, they transcend the sport. What it all comes back to is the way they push not only themselves but the surfing world at large, and how this inspiration will make the right conditions for progression.
February 26th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
The union of Andy and Kelly will probably be the most epic surf session ever. This union is gonna be like when the power rangers unite to become that huge-ass monster robot and kill the other guy. watching these two surf together will be the most entertaining session in history. the competition between them will be rediculous. with both there skill and Kelly’s infamous have to have the best wave additude this should be a session that nobody who ever liked surfing should miss.
February 26th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
The union between Kelly and Andy can be summed up as the passing of the torch. Surfing will always have a champion who will lead the way for the new prospects of professional surfing. When Kelly started, he was a competitor who played all the mind games he could. Andy is smart. By understanding the mind of the number one professional surfer in the world Andy will be back from retirement with something to prove to the surfing world. That is that he should be the new torch holder for the sport and take competitive surfing into the future.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Two powerful and influential surfing rivals in surfing history taking a trip to a surfer’s heaven of Kandui Island is a great idea. This was a great idea because taking two amazing surfing rivals and sending them to surfing heaven to surf the same ultimate sessions and chill and converse their thoughts in the same pad , just showed the surfing industry that even though surfing is a competitive sport and thrives off rival surfers, now matter who it is , when to rivals are sent to paradise , surfing takes over and shows its real meaning of having a great time and trying to get the best waves you possibly can.
February 27th, 2009 at 1:45 am
In 2010 Andy will return to competitive surfing and Andy and Kelly will become one like voltron. They will be known as “KAndy” and either dominate competitive surfing or a striper pole. This will leave Taj and Joel to drop off tour and become sales reps after coming in second one to many times to KAndy’s unstoppable progressive “skills.” Both stay in the top ten in sales for Billabong but never take home the title of sales rep of the year. The only one that could stand in KAndy’s way is Dane Reynolds, but he is uninterested and quits shortboarding to follow his true passion, boogie boarding.
His reasoning, because the ARS is the ultimate maneuver. Many years later Kandy will become Governor of California and save Trestles from the inland empire.
February 27th, 2009 at 6:27 am
I’m not going to sit here and tell you surfing has changed or progressed because of the “union” of these guys. What I can tell you is I’m definatly going to have a drink with the guy with the helmet and mouth guard that beat me in a heat last year. I’m feeling the love.
February 27th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
“The rivalry” has kept two and arguably three of the world’s greatest surfers from comparing notes. At one time Kelly and Andy’s rivalry was a motivational tool that helped push their surfing to new levels. But that time has passed and like two great warriors who have finally laid down their swords. This newly formed friendship has created an opportunity for the sharing of ideas that may allow these two surfers once again to push surfing to places it’s never been. It’s ironic that two surfers whose bitter rivalry helped push surfing to the next level may once again have an opportunity to take surfing to a place it’s never been by putting their rivalry aside. Kelly’s never been close with Andy or Bruce but with the hatchet finally buried and three of the world’s best sharing knowledge and ideas an environment for surfing creativity to flourish has been created.
February 28th, 2009 at 12:29 am
The Progression of surfing has always been about limits. Limits of what is possible on a wave. Kelly and Andy have always been at the forefront of modern surfing since they were both teenagers. However, if you were ask either one of them what their role in the progression of modern surfing was, I doubt either one of them would have a straight answer for you. They simply just want to go surfing. For them it’s the love of surfing, that love pushes them in the water to surf to the best of their abilities. It’s their ability that inspires the rest of us to push our own limits in the water, let’s face it who doesn’t want to surf like Kelly or Andy? So what does the union of these to surfers mean for modern surfing? Simple, pure stoke for you and I to push our own limits!
February 28th, 2009 at 3:17 am
Surfing is different from other team sports in many ways. Rivalries in those sports do not carry the fans with them as players are traded. In surfing though fans, enthusiasts, starry eyed groms carry their favorite surfer on their backs from beach to beach. Surfing fans are the quintisential idea of loyal. Bringing together the sport’s most influential figures in Kelly Slater and Andy Irons would be revolutianary. It would blend styles, ideals, and surfing cultures. It would mix brute will with natural talent, championship perfection with underdog appeal, and more importantly, Quicksilver with Billabong. Slater’s passion is obvious in his 10 titles. Iron’s passion is a mark of him backing off the tour until he could give %100 of himself. The combination of this passion and vigor for the sport would be strong enough to push the sport into homes from coast to coast.
February 28th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Rivalry-competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field.Rivalries occur in every sport and they can help people to improve but they can also create hate. Hate is what Andy and Kelly had for each other before they opened their eyes and really saw what surfing is all about.For them it was about competing for world titles and wins. Then once all of that stuff was taken away, that is when they just starting competing with themselves to be the best they can be and for them to show that friendships and having fun is more important than wins I think will really inspire surfers all around the world.
February 28th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Slater Vs Irons….
Robert Vs Phillip??? Yeah two mortals that did amazing for this sport that we call Surfing!
Koby Vs Shaq??? Yeah same history… two icons of Basketball
Botton line is we need athletes like does guys, professionals in what they do! Like every other sport audience plays huge for advertising, marketing, sales…. and those are the best products that we have!!! Aloha and Go deep!!!
February 28th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
The union of Kelly and Andy will make surfing a more peaceful sport. Ever since Kelly came onto the scene, the competition has grown very fierce. New rivalries came about and surfing became less peaceful. If the two most influential surfers in the world show that surfers should all be chill with each other, then maybe the aloha spirit of surfing could be restored. I mean maybe people can learn to put aside there differences and really start sharing waves with whoever paddles out.
March 1st, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Who gives a fuck about kelly and andy union.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I like the KAndy idea but what happen after that. I think your rambling. It doesn’t even make sense. I catch one for jah. One Love
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
When great athletes go pro to compete for prize money and fame a lot of emotion gets invested. Every sport has rivalry, but when the rivalry is ugly it does a disservice to the sport you represent. Professionals owe it to the public (specially the children) to be positive role models. For the two most “pro-dominant” figures in modern surfing to act like mature professionals, it sends a message to all surf breaks across the globe. Treat each other with respect. There is enough anger in the world. Do we really need more hostility in the water? Let’s hug it out bitches.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Who won?
March 4th, 2009 at 12:31 am
AI and Kelly are two of the best all around surfers in the world.
They have pushed each other to a ultimate level of skill, focus, and ability. Their rivalry has been synergistic in effect, resulting in greatness driven by competition, that is possibly greater than any success that they may have achieved without each other’s presence on the WCT. Their great achievments began on top of the shoulders of their heros, like the Curren and Occy rivalry, which helped to push surfing to the next level of progression. The union of AI and Kelly provides the best example for any aspiring surfer. That is, there is nothing better than a surfer that rips, who is also humble and respectful to others.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I used to run a surf shop in Mill Valley, Ca. and we had a life-size cardboard Kelly Slater……….. funny enough when i first put him out in the store customer’s were coming into the shop and asking me if it was me! Ha! Right!?! Of course i would blush and tell them “no! that’s very nice of you to think so, but that is the world famous Kelly Slater” After about three or four month’s of this i gave in to my ego and started lying and telling them yes……….. Of course the customer’s were delighted to be in the presence of someone important enough to have a cardboard likeness in their local surf shop and would believe anything else i felt like throwing into conversation. Then it all caught up to me and i looked very silly.
I learned a valuable life lesson, that showing humility always was a safe bet and payed off and that being self righteous always ended in pain and turmoil……..
I think that Andy Irons and Kelly have both showed us as a community that being humble enough to put grudges aside and showing up and celebrating life is a huge inspiration for anyone anywhere. No matter what it is thats going on in ourselves we can always use a little inspiration and these guy’s are just another good example of celebrating life not death, brah.
March 5th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
It’s progressing the sport in a direction where you can happily retire and everyone is friends. It may set a precendent that adversarial relationships are not good for the sport. Perhaps it will lay the foundation for contests where everyone wins and shares the prize money; and a percentage goes into your ASP retirement fund, matched by your sponsors.
March 6th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
It’s hard to say what their man-love means for surfing, since the rivalry meant different things to different people depending on whose side you were on. I personally think it will give the over hyped kooks at my local break more reason to be dicks, i.e. Slates and AI can do it and they are paid to be in the water at the same time, why can’t I? I come out here after work or on my day off to surf and I have just as much right to claim my spot as you do, but since I do this sans paycheck, I deserve the right to fight for it. Now that they are buddies…although the competitive drive between them isn’t squashed nor should it be, people may use that a-hole attitude in the water and then wanna be good buddies on the beach. Pick one guys….hate or love….this sudden mutual admiration society is crap.
March 6th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Who won the prize?
March 6th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
The only thing I can come up with, is to medically combine their sperm and implant it in to Layne or Lisa, and create the world’s best surfing prodigy. They would also need to share the responsibility of caring for the child and teaching it all the secrets to being the worlds best surfer.
March 7th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Having Andy Irons and Kelly Slater go against each other will make surfing a more popular sport. Having such big stars in it will publicize it more and put the spotlight on it in the near future making it better for the industry. It will only make Andy and Kelly better and push their rivalry to new heights and with that the competition will get better making it a more competitive sport.
I’m taking Slater.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
i just watched a fly in the champagen with kelly and andy.
i could really see that there intense rivalry shows how far you can push your self on all levels.The way they played off of each other was amazing they really went all out.As the film progressed you could see how they and the sport around them formed and changed around all of intensity and raw motavation.
Then when you see them deside to team up its holy shit
two titians just dropped everything and were like wana go on a boat tripp to some of the sickest waves ever?
Come on if there team up doesn’t change the surfing world and get people noticing whats up then i dont belive anything will.
If they can set aside differences and make a big change on there motavation to surf and compete then i think anything is possible for the surfing world . slater #10? maybe..
March 11th, 2009 at 7:19 am
The the union between Andy Irons and Kelly Slater was not only a shock to surfing but also a blessing. Their union caused so much commotion that it is attracting a great deal of attnetion to not only an end to a rivalry but attention to professional surfing as well. Surfing has never been known as a sport of intense rivalries or even any quarrel. Some people actually had no interest in surfing because of its lack of competitiveness. The beginning and end of the rivalry has truly shed light on the future of surfing. New rivalries will be born. Maybe someone like Parko and Dane could go at it. All I know is that a rivalry attracts attention to competitive surfing. The attnention surfing gets might not be what people want. (Such as the old schoolers) Surfing will grow in size and sheer numbers in the future due to the union of AI and Kelly. They were enemies, but now friends. That’s what people want to see sometimes in life. The way surfing will progress might not be what some surfer want, but it will happen. This union has now put surfing on the mainstream level.
March 14th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
come stay for free…send photo to kanduiresort@yahoo.com.
owners of kandui..
March 15th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Kelly and Andy are the gods of modern surfing. As the messiahs of surfing future, Kelly of courses being Muhammad and Andy being Jesus(remember his hair a while back?). Together, they bring two completely different outlooks to surfing, both as explosive and stylish as the other. There styles combined can be used to define any surfers style since. And now with Andy and Kelly together on a trip, Muslims, Chrisitans, and Jews will all vacation together, bringing world peace.
March 25th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
i think the push there selves harder 2 try be better than the other.
April 15th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
The Union of Kelly and Andy will progress the sport of surfing because as friends they will be able to more effectivly raise their child. Thanks to advances in technology, kelly slater will be artificially inciminated with andy’s baby making juice, forming the ultimate surfing machine. Kandy, the future Jesus of the surf world, will teach the surf community how to pull of some of the wildest surf moves imaginable.
April 20th, 2009 at 8:35 am
the union of kelly and andy will progress surfing by because they always do new stuff and rad tricks.that will make more surfers try to compete with them and try there new tricks.
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:50 am
when two of the best professional surfers on the planet join up there is only one way that the progression of the sport can go. UP.
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:37 am
Coming together for a boat trip is trivial at best. When Andy and Kelly come togther in a tandem surf contest, even God will tune into the podcast. When they pull the first tandem air, it’ll be the air that shook the world.
April 23rd, 2009 at 3:23 am
MY mind can’t reach it
May 3rd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Well, we all know that Bruce Irons and Kelly Slater are two of the most competitive surfers in the world. And they are definitely two of the best surfers in the world. I believe that they will, in a union, push each other to go bigger and better in contests. They would each have to take their surfing to the next level, if that is even possible. If they were in a union, surfing would get that much better.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
The way those two can bring surfing to a new level there both great surfers and have a lot to offer to surfing. Kelly Slater has always been an amazing surfer and Andy Irons has the potential to be as a great surfer as Kelly. So I think that they will brings a new level to surfing.
May 13th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
with the union kelly and andy will ultimately dominate every surfing event in the whole United Universe
May 28th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Andy and Kelly????? Are they even human? They seem like cool guys and that they are friends but when they get in the water their totaly diffrent people. If andy does a 360 ally oop then kelly will try to do a 540 ally oop and he’l probley almost do it. They are going to push every one’s surfing in the world and its going to progress so much its going to be ridicules!
May 28th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Andy and Kelley are like Tom and Jerry.Their always chasing each other and trying to beat one another.I dont think their rivalry is ever goin to end. Their goin to be 90 in a nursing home and racing each other in wheel chairs
June 14th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
with these two shredders dude, they could come up with the newest and best tricks. these guys already punt it fat so combining the two they could use their creative minds to shred even harder.
thanks mate,
-matt
June 14th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Surfers like Andy are the only ones keeping Slater humbly human
July 11th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
The simple fact is that no matter if it is a union or a rivalry it is of monumental importance that it happens for surfing to progress. As in any sport with two athletes at the magnitude of Andy and Kelly they push themselves to levels that the common practitioner can’t relate to; nevertheless, every surfer looks to these two for inspiration and guidance to achieve the next level of surfing. Surfing had been for years stagnant and almost boring, but with the introduction of airs and more stylish and edgy cutbacks we are getting a glimpse of the future at the hands of two masterful competitors. I also would like to say, Kelly is adding fuel to the fire with his innovative ideas of board choices and shaping techniques, and this can only better the chances of a true pinnacle in the way surfers approach their skill choice.
Travis Kane
Clearwater, FL.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:04 am
No fear, slater and Irons surfing greatest icons since the duke, revit-up, taking surfing into the stratosphere of extreme sports, AI and slater also are acessible heros unlike other sports athletes signing autographs for cash. slater and irons represent their brands and the sport and their fans are stoked to feel that this incredible surfing duo, connect with us and for the sure joy of one of the worlds first sports and the sport of kings, you guys just totally rule dudes, long live king andy, long live king kelly and may yousurf forever!
January 24th, 2010 at 3:58 am
they are two of the greatest surfers of all time. they can spread surfing like nobody else. when they travel, they spread the sport itself, when they travel to these remote areas around the world, they spread surfin itself. they spread the sport. and especially with the amazing stuff theyre doing, theyre pushing the limits of the sport itself and really showing everyone its true potential, they help the progression of the sport by pushing its limits and bringing it to new people and places
January 24th, 2010 at 4:03 am
haha epic fail, just realized this contest ended in march……………….