Andy Irons: Kissed by God is a documentary film that focuses on the untold story of one of the world’s most prolific surfers. Andy won three World Titles throughout his career and is regarded as “The People’s Champ” around the world, for his blue collar rise to fame and his relatability. Despite all the success, Andy’s personal demons ultimately led to the heartbreaking tragedy that became part of his legacy. Filmmakers Steve and Todd Jones interlace breathtaking cinematography with archival footage and interviews with family, friends, and Andy’s competitors. Andy Irons: Kissed by God spotlights the effect of mental illness on one of the millions who struggle with the disease every day.
The film features in-depth interviews with Andy’s brother Bruce Irons, his wife Lyndie Irons, Joel Parkinson, Nathan Fletcher, Sunny Garcia and Kelly Slater. “The time to tell Andy’s story is now, not because we want to glorify his life or accomplishments but because Andy wanted to share the truth of his struggles to educate future generations,” said his brother, Bruce Irons. “We wanted to share the whole story – both the struggles and the triumphs – and give intimate insight as to who Andy was as a whole.“
The film, three years in the making, honors the legacy of Andy Irons and focuses on his struggles with bipolar disorder and opioid addiction. This is a film about a person who lived life to the fullest, at the top of his industry, but did so facing insurmountable internal challenges. Fellow surfing champion and friend Kelly Slater said, “Andy was an absolutely gifted individual. I am lucky to have known him and had the times we had together. He was the most intense competitor I’ve ever known and one of the most sensitive people.”
Directed by Steve and Todd Jones, the World Premiere will take place in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 2nd. The Los Angeles premiere will be followed by special premiere screenings and events in Hawaii on May 6th and New York on May 10th.
It’s being shown in cinemas in the US on the 31st of May, details here, we’ll let you know when we hear about UK/European showings.
Jae Haydon, 34, from Woonona near Wollongong, went surfing Ulu bombie in huge swell on Monday but was declared missing after his broken surfboard washed up on the beach.
Indonesian authorities confirmed Badung lifeguards found a body floating in the water on Monday night, but there was some confusion as it was rumoured three other locals went missing the same day.
Dylan Perese from DP Surfboards has paid tribute to Haydon,
“Yesterday was a very tragic day not only for our local community but for the surfing community as a whole.
“Jae Haydon was surfing solid Uluwatu when he had a terrible accident finding himself unconscious and after failed attempts by a few fellow surfers to get him up on a board he was eventually lost in solid 6-8ft waves beneath the Uluwatu cliffs.
“Jae was one of the nicest most well liked and not to mention talented young guys around! He would always light the room, stage, yard whatever venue with his warmth and incredible tunes that he was so good at and so well known for!
“R.I.P jayboy you will be missed sending love to your family.”
A statement on a GoFundMe page signed by Mr Haydon’s sister Heidz and his mother said,
“To our free spirit Jae, who roamed the world and lived the life we all dreamed of, who brought incredible joy to loads of people in this world, lost his life in Uluwatu, Bali, yesterday,”
The GoFundMe page to help pay for the cost of bringing his body home, received $54,630 in less than 24 hours.
“The money raised will go to Jae’s family to help with expenses and bringing Jae home so we can give him the best send off and celebration of life. I’m sure he will watch on and celebrate with us.”
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Jack Coleman caught up with Derrick Disney in his shaping bay while working on his flex tail series of boards. Hit play to watch Derrick explain his building process of the flextail bonzer from Start to Finish.
