The Bruce Irons Interview

Bruce's air attack. Photo: DC Shoes

Bruce Irons is one of the best surfers in the world. His attitude combined with his barrel riding, big wave and aerial skills make Bruce one of the most talked about characters in pro surfing today.

We managed to catch up with him during FUEL TV's Oakley Week, where Bruce rolled into the Oakley HQ in an army tank! He will be featured on "The Daily Habit," sharing stories about hunting pigs, surf trips, upcoming projects and his latest cover on Transworld mag.

Watch out! Bruce's got a gun. Photo: Matt Murray/ Oakley

Last year, after pulling out of the ASP World Tour, a lot of people thought he was done competing and even used the word "retired," which Bruce definitely doesn't like. He guarantees this is not the case and it seems like the competitive fire is more alive than ever... With a family and a newborn to care for, a production company with his brother Andy, chasing the best swells around the world and a lot of other things in his plate, there was no shortage of topics to talk to the man about.

Don't miss "The Daily Habit" with Bruce Irons, airing next Thursday, October 8th at 9:00pm ET (6:00pm PT). In the meantime, check out this exclusive web Q&A:

Paulo Dias

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Hey Bruce, how's life right now? What have you been up to?

Life is good! I had a baby 6 months ago and that has been a life changing experience... So, just recently I started going back on surf trips.

Being a dad sounds like a great experience. Does that give you less time to go surfing or you're still able to pull it off?

Well, it's all new to me. During the first 6 months I didn't really go on a lot of trips and the ones I went, my head wasn't really in it. Now that my baby is getting older and she's getting more comfortable being alone with mom, I'm back on the same schedule.

All eyes on Bruce. Photo: Hennings/ Oakley

How does it feel to be off the tour? It must be pretty fun for you to just be surfing and looking for the best waves all over the planet.

Yeah, it all worked out perfect. Getting off the tour, having a baby... I couldn't imagine doing both.

Perfect timing then?

For sure.                    

But you still compete in random events, is that right?

What was the most frustrating thing about the tour?

Just kind of the same old thing over and over, event after event, year after year. No changes... I got bored and just wanted to go on surf trips.

Everybody is talking about changes and possibly even a new tour. Would you be down for something like that?

I would definitely be in for a new format, but it had to be something new, not the same old thing... I love competing but I would only be down for something totally different.

Few people ride Teahupoo like Bruce does... Just ask the locals. Photo: ASP World Tour

What do you think of some people in the industry trying to make surfing into a full on mainstream sport, getting the same exposure as football and basketball for example? When is it enough?

I think it's good to tell you the truth. People might think it's selling out, this and that... But I don't see why we shouldn't get paid as much as some of the top athletes in the other sports. Surfing is not an easy thing to do... It's real tricky. If the money is there, why not spread the wealth?

Tahiti, Surfer's Paradise (Australia) and Japan.

Sweet. Any future plans you wanna tell us about? Anything new with the production company?

Yeah, we are making Julian Wilson's movie.

What is the name?

It's called "Scratching the Surface"

Alright, we'll keep our eyes open for it... Thanks for taking the time Bruce, good luck to you!

Thanks

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