The Surf World Mourns The Death Of Phil Irons - Stab Mag

Watch: The Electric Acid Surfboard Test, Starring Shaun Manners

1761 Views

The Surf World Mourns The Death Of Phil Irons

The beloved father to Andy and Bruce Irons, and Grandfather to Axel Irons, has passed away. 

elsewhere // Sep 26, 2023
Words by Stab
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Tributes for Phil Irons – the father of Andy and Bruce Irons, and grandfather to Axel Irons – have been growing in number since news broke of his passing. 

California-born Phil moved to Kauai in 1970, where he lived for the remainder of his life. In 1978 Phil and his wife Danielle had their first son, christened Phillip Andrew Irons, Bruce Irons came the following year.

In 1989, Phil and Danielle divorced in a decision that would prove pivotal in the boys’ surfing careers. “89 was a tough year,” Phil told Stab in The House That Phil (Re-Built). “I’m not understating the situation when I say it was a pretty screwed up time for the whole family. I knew a local family who ran the Hanalei Liquor Store and they had a place that hadn’t been lived in for five years. It was very primitive but it was across the road from the beach and close to the school. The rent was $500 a month. I figured I could make it work.”   

Phil described Andy and Bruce as being “pretty tight as kids. They had each other’s backs and stuff but they were also brothers and they fought. Bruce was the little shrimp irritator with the mouth and Andy was bigger and a bit more clumsy.” Phil later built the boys a pod separated from the house to give them more space. “Dad was a carpenter, he was up for it,” said Bruce. “Living there was the best time that I can remember. Everything was so easy,” reflected Andy.

After his titles, Andy would later build a “super pad” nestled between his old man’s home and Quiksilver founder and ex-CEO Bob McKnight’s 20-million-dollar mansion, “I can see down the barrel at Hanalei Bay and I can see Pine Trees perfect from my living room, kitchen and bedroom. It’s unbelievable,” said Andy.

Phil’s eldest son, a three-time World Champion, left this world on November 2, 2010 in Dallas Fort Worth – a layover stop on his way home to Kauai from the Rip Curl Search event in Puerto Rico.

Outliving your son would be devastating. Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Phil Irons.

“Loved him so much. the ultimate crazy 8s partner” – Coco Ho

“One of the kindest humans I ever met. In ‘96 he took me under his roof for a month when I was only supposed to be there 5 days. The way he loved those boys was special to witness.” – Selema Masekela

“We’re at that age my dear where our elders are passing us the torch! Love to you and the rest of family!” – Joel Tudor

“So sad to hear Phil passed. Had some great chats over the years. Sending lots of love to you and Axel.” – Mick Fanning

“Rest in peace Uncle Phil! So many great times with you. Love to the Irons family we are thinking of all of you.” – Luke Egan

“I’m really sorry to hear. Had so many great memories talking with Phil.” – Damien Hobgood

“Our deepest condolences. Rest in paradise Phil.” – Pancho Sullivan

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Why Is The WSL (Really) Not Going To J-Bay In 2024?

An analysis of politics, exchange rates and sponsorship dollars at South Africa's premier point.

Dec 3, 2023

Teahupo’o Reef “Massacred” By Olympic Barge

Should surfers boycott the IOC?

Dec 3, 2023

Two Percent’s “Smooch” Starts With Kanye, Ends With Crosby, Lives Up To The Hype

A visual representation of California's world-class surf renaissance.

Dec 2, 2023

The Electric Acid Surfboard Test Starring Shaun Manners, Episode Two

Solitude at last.

Dec 1, 2023

“It’s A Huge Cash Prize And We Never Make Money Anymore — We’re All Only Thinking About Winning”

Nine young talents respond and reflect on their 2023 Vans Pipe Masters invites.

Dec 1, 2023

The Floater: Relevant Roof Ride Or Unflushable Turd?

Careful what you wish for, floater haters. Because in a surf world without them, Kelly…

Nov 30, 2023

Full Frame: Portuguese Serendipity 

Torrey Meister by Joao Bracourt, somewhere in southern Portugal.

Nov 28, 2023

Red Bull No Contest Drops Anchor In Tahiti, Gets Treated To Region’s Deadly/Non-Deadly Waves + Address Tower Controversy

Featuring the first man to surf Teahupo’o, the Spartan, and two (likely) future Olympic medallists. 

Nov 28, 2023

Russell Bierke’s SEOTY ‘Snapped’ Noa Deane + Conjured Demonic Screams At The Opening Prem In Milton

‘Not many people treat big, solid waves like a fucking play pen,” explains Noz.

Nov 28, 2023

The 10th SEOTY Entry Features The Odd 13-Second Cathedral

Watch ISA World Junior Champ Grayson Hinrichs in 'Surfish'.

Nov 26, 2023

Jai Glindeman Samples Parko’s ‘Golden Child’ Board, Unlocks New Facets Of Already-Stellar Surfing

Come bask in the ascension.

Nov 25, 2023

Full Frame: Line ‘Em Up

The other Desert Point by Alan Van Gysen.

Nov 24, 2023

Shaun Manners Paddled 47.25 km In 2.5 Days On A Pie And Beer Diet, And All He Got Was This Stupid Stab Series

Sweat matters. Manners sweats.

Nov 23, 2023

QS-ANON: The Argument Against A Regionalized Tour

Competitors have fewer opportunities and longer gaps between them. 

Nov 22, 2023

Did You Know Dillon Perillo Is One Of Dane Reynolds’ Favorite Surfers?

Here's what happened to the guy who went toe-to-toe with JJF in Dear Suburbia.

Nov 21, 2023

Red Bull No Contest Gets Popped By Morocco’s Endless Pleasure Points, The Biggest Mosque In Africa

“Came for six days, stayed for two months.”

Nov 21, 2023

A Keg-Packing Aussie Barista Who Once Visited The Emerald Isles And Never Left

SEOTY: Noah Lane in 'Blow in'.

Nov 21, 2023

Eyeball: The 60 Surfers In The 2023 Vans Pipe Masters 

Invitees include: John Florence, Carissa Moore, Russell Bierke, Shaun Manners, Bruno Santos, Bethany Hamilton +…

Nov 21, 2023
Advertisement