THE QUIKSILVER IN MEMORY OF EDDIE AIKAU BIG WAVE INVITATIONAL www.quiksilver.com/eddie
Kauai's Bruce Irons Rides Largest Waves of His Life for Historic Quiksilver Eddie Win
Honolulu, HAWAII (December 15, 2004) - Twenty-five year-old Kauai surfer Bruce Irons made his way out of the shadow of world champion brother Andy today, by winning surfing's most prestigious big wave event, the Quiksilver In Memory Of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay, Hawaii.
The younger of the famous Irons brothers, Bruce pushed the limits way beyond his wildest childhood dreams, tackling waves that exceeded 40 feet (12m) in height to finish first in a field of 24 world class big wave riders, including his brother. His victory, in the 20th anniversary Quiksilver Eddie, gave rise to the most satisfying and meaningful of his career to date, also earning him US$55,000. He became only the seventh surfer to win the event as it can only run when the surf hits a consistent minimum of 20 feet.
"This is greater than I could ever have imagined," said Irons. "It's every bit as big as it looked in all the videos and pictures I saw growing up. To ride the biggest waves of my life, to win a contest in the name of Eddie Aikau, a hero we've all grown up with, I don't know. I just don't know what to say."
The morning offered the most perfect conditions Waimea is capable of delivering; glassy-smooth waves that pulsed consistently in the range of 25 to 40 feet (8-12m). By afternoon, all that had changed was a slight decrease in swell size to 20 to 25 feet. The wave of the day, Bruce's perfect 100, started out with a critical take-off on a massive 35-foot wave, followed by several arcing turns, and ending on the heaving inside shore-break with a bone-crunching, close-out tube ride with arms held high.
