On December 17, 02005, Andy Irons claimed 1st place in the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing title on the North Shore of Oahu. Known as the most prestigious event in the world of surfing the Pipeline Masters takes place among massive waves that reach Hawaii each December among scores of surf fans and photographers who flock to Pipeline to witness top pros in heated competition.
Irons scored a perfect 10 after two tube rides in one wave, but the wave doubled up as it hit the dangerous reef causing Irons to unsuccessfully pull-off a new maneuver known as a flying air. Irons had the top scores going into the finals, but was up again his brother, Bruce Irons, Mick Fanning from Australia, and Kalani Chapman from Hawaii.
“I was stoked to get to surf with my brother out there in the final,” commented Irons after the event. “To do well here in the [Triple Crown and Pipe] means a lot and it’s almost a world title so I’m over the moon.”
It was an amazing year for Irons who has ups and downs, especially after relinquishing his Foster’s ASP Men’s World Tour crown to Kelly Slater in Brazil earlier in the season. Slater, one of the most popular action sports athletes in the world, and who also happens to be dating super model Giselle Bundchen and made CBS/Sportsline Top 10 List of Celebrity/Athlete Relationships, still leads the ASP Men’s World Tour in points, followed by Andy Irons, and Mick Fanning.
Final results for the Rip Curl Pipeline Masters were Andy Irons in 1st, Mick Fanning 2nd, Bruce Irons 3rd, and Kalani Chapman 4th.
