Pipeline Masters in memory of Andy Irons 2012 Preview

Ian Walsh, a dangerous Wildcard, charges a big set in 2011. (Photo: ASP)

It is pretty fitting that the final event of the ASP World Tour is Pipeline. So many great stories and rivalries over the years have gone down and many a World Title has hinged on this event. This year is no different, with Joel Parkinson, in the hunt for his first World Title, in a dog fight with Kelly Slater, looking for number 12, and Mick Fanning on the outside needing a miracle to take it, but hey, it has happened at Pipe before! Add to this the pack of wildcards, all Pipe specialists frothing to take down the big names from the World Tour and you have a recipe for an epic surf event. Oh and of course, the most dangerous wave in the world...

John John Florence is going to be deadly. Jamie O'Brian still wants to put this trophy on his mantel and young Sebastien Ziets leading the Triple Crown is going to be holding nothing back. Then you have guys like Kieron Perrow on the border of re-qualification and needing a massive result, well he has won last year and made back to back finals.

This could be the contest of decade with great swell forecast already for the first few days. So sit down, strap in, make sure your internet is working and enjoy...

Remembering Andy Irons - 1 year after his passing.

It is a year to the day that Andy Irons tragically lost his life while on a layover in Dallas. He had left the Rip Curl Search in Costa Rica complaining of heavy flu like symptoms and was awaiting a flight back to Kauai, his wife and soon to be born child. Andy was a legend and was taken from us far to early. He changed the face of professional surfing and left a mark on all of us who love the sea and surfing. We will remember him for his incredible surfing, no fear approach in waves of consequence and his epic battles with Kelly Slater.

We hope you are riding the waves of joy and happiness up there in the sky Andy!