Autralian Surfers Honor Andy Irons Passing

On Saturday morning over 1,000 people paddled out at Rainbow Bay on Australia's Gold Coast in honor of the late Andy Irons. In a fitting tribute, what was supposed to be a day of torrential rain, dawned without a cloud in the sky. Those who gathered to celebrate Irons' life were greeted with warm sunshine symbolizing the colorful life he lived.

Andy MorrisSurfers form a cirlce in Rainbow Bay as part of the memorial.

His best mate, Joel Parkinson, left the beach first, followed closely by Mark Occhilupo, Luke Egan, and Iron's long-time shaper, Jason Stevenson. They paddled across the waves peeling down Snapper point, and made it out to the channel surrounding the break Irons had carved so many times.

Andy MorrisFriends in Australia say good-bye to A.I. one last time.

On Tuesday, November 2nd, Irons was found dead in a Dallas hotel room. He had been suffering from an illness at the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico and was en route to his home in Hawaii. He checked into the room during a layover.

There were people of all ages making their way out to join the circle. Everyone was encouraged to take a flower as they left for the sea. Many held them in their mouths. One by one, the circle increased to the size of a football field.

Parko, Occy, Luke and Stevenson, floating in the middle of the circle started the goodbye. After a minute's silence, Parko leapt out of the water thrusting his arms into the air. He let out an almighty roar signaling to everyone linking arms. It was time to say goodbye. There was water slapping, arms flying, flowers hurled, and words shouted. A handful of people paddled up to the bouquet for some final words and one last touch of the superstar. The lonely bouquet was then left to drift out to sea covered in a Hawaiian flag.

Andy MorrisParko raises up from the water to ignite the group, celebrating the life of his friend.

On the way in, the crowd paddled into a few at Snapper, which had also turned on -- probably for A.I.