With Irons Bros Out; 2009 ASP World Tour Roster Finalized
January 22, 2009 – 9:33 pm PT by MeTags: Andy Irons, ASP, Bruce Irons, Julian Wilson, Kelly Slater, Kobayashi, Michael CAmpbell, Roy Powers, Surfline —
Sometimes itís really weak to have one of the best athletes in a sport out of competition because of personal reasons or because they are taking a break. This is the case with the ASP World Tour for 2009 with not just one Irons brother out, but both Irons brothers deciding to sit out most of the year. Not to say they will literally sit out since they are working on a number of projects like their film with JULIAN WILSON. But to have both out is a blow to the tournament.
Or is it? The caliber of competition this year is like none other. Just going down the list of names is a whoís who of marquee surfers. First of all, the tour will see the KOBAYASHI of surfing, Kelly Slater, go for his 10th ASP World Tour Title. That will be exciting to see if he can maintain the amazing run he had from í08. But just like Kobayashi, all good things come to an end. Weíll see if other top contenders such as Taj Burrow, Joel Parkinson, and C.J. Hobgood can meet up to the challenge of taking down Slater.
Taking over for Bruce Irons will be Roy Powers of Hawaii and filling in for Andy Irons will be Michael Campbell of Australia. The brothers Irons skipping out on the year is no surprise, but after notifying the ASP of his absence, Andy requested a 2010 ASP Wildcard, and it was granted. It looks like being hot sh*t will get you places by just asking. Read the interview over at SURFLINE.
