Bruce Irons at home at Pipeline

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	Hansen's Energy Pro What: Professional surfing contest in the World Qualifying Series Where: Banzai Pipeline When: Best three days between today and March 3; 8 a.m. start each day of competition Daily status: 596-7873

His older brother, Andy Irons, took the spotlight during the year-ending Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in November and December, winning both the world championship and the prestigious Triple Crown title.

Now it's Bruce's turn to shine again.

Bruce is the two-time defending champion of the Hansen's Energy Pro, which is scheduled to begin its holding period today at the famous Banzai Pipeline.

"It doesn't matter what contest it is, I'm stoked to surf Pipe any time," he said. "I just hope there's good waves."

In the past two years, Bruce has displayed an uncanny ability to surf through Pipeline's treacherous barreling waves. The Irons brothers, who are from Hanalei, Kaua'i, have combined to win the past four contests held at Pipeline, with Bruce winning three.

"I feel like I've been getting lucky," said Bruce, who is 23 and one year younger than Andy. "But I just really like surfing that wave."

The contest is part of surfing's World Qualifying Series (WQS). The top performers will earn points toward qualifying for the 2004 World Championship Tour.

Elite surfers from Hawai'i, California, Australia and Japan are in the field.

However, because of a conflicting World Championship Tour (WCT) contest in Australia, Andy Irons and other top-ranked surfers from Hawai'i will not compete in the Hansen's Energy Pro.

"All the guys who surf Pipe all the time will be in it, so to me, that makes it harder," Bruce said. "There's not going to be any easy heats."

Bruce has never qualified for the WCT, although he said he will make an effort to do so this year. The Hansen's Energy Pro will represent his first chance to secure qualifying points.

He said Andy's world title is enough motivation for him.

"It makes me want to get there (on the WCT) that much more," Bruce said. "But the hardest part is getting there. I'm going to try and do all the big (qualifying events)."

NOTES: The Irons brothers sponsored a surf contest for youth surfers on their home island, Kaua'i, last weekend. More than 100 surfers ages 14 and younger participated. ... Among the other former event champions expected to participate in the Hansen's Energy Pro are Hawai'i surfers Derek Ho, John Gomes and Larry Rios.