Still Celebrating Surfers Worldwide
Circle-of-Life water Ceremonys are commonly called “paddle outs” and they are a beautiful way to connect to one another, to laugh, to cry and mostly to Celebrate the New Angel.
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” – Wyland
So many soul surfers are Honored by their friends and family, as they paddle out, wearing flower leis around their neck, holding loose flowers, and with the energy to support one another as they all experience their loved one transition to Angelhood. There are countless Surfer Angels, and I will continue to add them to this blog.
Today, I shout out to Andy Irons
At the shore of Andy’s cherished home, family, friends, and those whose lives have been touched by the 32-year-old gathered to bid farewell to the surfer, father, brother, son and husband who inspired a generation.
In the embrace of majestic Hanalei, Andy’s younger brother Bruce led close to 1,000 friends in a paddle out beyond the rising waves to encircle a double-hull canoe that carried Andy’s wife Lyndie, his parents and close friends. On shore, thousands more watched on as Andy’s ashes were released into the sea and flowers poured from a helicopter circling above.
At the same time, synchronized tributes were taking place around the world from Australia to Europe, and mainland USA in the greatest outpouring of aloha the surfing world has ever seen. It was a fitting tribute to a young man whose home-grown achievements, passion for life and family, and committed character proved that childhood dreams are worth chasing.
