The Irons Brothers present the 5th Annual Pine Trees Classic
Hanalei, HI – Families gathered Saturday Feb. 18, 2006
at Pine Trees beach for the 5th Annual Pine Trees Classic surf
contest, hosted by brothers Bruce and Andy Irons. The event
was a fun-filled day packed with families and kids of all ages.
Three-time consecutive ASP world champion, Andy Irons and,
2004 Eddie Aikau winner, Bruce Irons spent most of the day
autographing hats, posters and even clothing while kids helped
themselves to free snow cones and other goodies and memorabilia
provided by sponsors. The event was free and open to children
aged six to twelve totaling approximately 124 entrants. The
final six winners will be awarded roundtrip tickets to California
to see the upcoming U.S. Championships.
For the Irons brothers, this event is about bringing the local
community together. Bruce mentioned how Shane Dorian’s
contest helped influence them to create a contest here on Kauai. “It’s
a little something to give back to the kids and the community
and especially important for the non-rated kid,” Bruce
said.
Contest director, Nelson Togioka of Hawaii Surfing Federation (HSF)
discussed the community involvement and how important this
event is in influencing kids’ futures. “The youngest
competitors will benefit and then roll-over into the amateur
series already with experience under their belt,” Nelson
said. He sees this event as an extremely beneficial introduction
to competitive surfing. Kids as young as six years old can
enter the event and spend the following years as a training
ground for competing in the amateur series beginning at age
12. “Because it’s not so competitive and a more
laid-back atmosphere it’s a good intro to competitive
surfing,” he continued. Bruce agreed that this event
is a gateway for the competitive future of those select kids
sent to California for the Nationals. “These are kids
or families who normally may not be able to afford to go,” he
said. “It’s a better opportunity to seek their
talents for others to see and might influence their future
in surfing.”
But the main reason this contest differs from the average NSSA or HASA event
is the style of competition and community involvement. “It’s
more about getting together and having a fun time surfing,” Andy
said. “It’s a family day,” he continued. “The
vibe’s better,” added Bruce, “it’s
not so competitive; it’s more like a picnic-slash-contest.”
“It feels really great to have the kids thanking me;
it really makes it worth while,” Andy stated as one of
his favorite aspects of participating in this event.” He
expressed how he really enjoyed spending time with the kids
one-on-one. “I get a kick of how they open up. First
they’re all shy, but then they open up,” he laughed. “Getting
them stoked,” Bruce said was his favorite aspect. “Seeing
all the kids and how happy they are,” he continued, “you
kind of made their day.” Nelson agreed that there is
a connection between the kids and the Irons brothers. “They
take the time with each kid,” he said. “They don’t
walk away when they’re signing pictures and autographs;
they’re going to the kids’ level and giving back
to the community.”
Hanalei resident Ian Vernon was excited to watch his 8-year-old
twin daughters Coral and Camilla surf in this event. Ian and
his family enjoy this annual event because it caters to the
younger age groups and is close to home. However, location
and competition were not the main factors for entering. “This
contest is more focused on fun, not about being super competitive,” he
said. Ian appreciates that the Irons brothers present this
event yearly and that his daughters are able to partake. “I
think it’s really cool the brothers put it on, it’s
a strong sense of community and surf ohana.”
Throughout the day, the main theme continued to be family
and community contribution and participation. “It’s
a positive, never a negative,” Nelson said. “It’s
important to think about what can we offer and what can we
give back.” “Every kid leaves with a smile,” Andy
said. “Everyone comes out a winner.”
Key sponsors of the event included Billabong, Volcom, Da
Kine, D.C. Shoes, YMCA, Nixon watches, J.S. Surfboards, Arnette
and Von Zipper.
Photos//Todd Johansen and Mario Perez
Written//Lanae Ferguson
