Bruce Irons: "Greatest Comeback Ever in Surfing?" (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Nov 4, 2024 8:21 PM ET

Ask any surfer who came up in the nineties into the early aughts who their favorite pro is, and there’s a good chance their response will be: “Bruce Irons.” Hell, even groms today cite flicks like The Bruce Movie, Campaign II, Momentum: Under the Influence as inspiration for the aerial antics and tube-riding prowess of today. From Teahupo’o to Trestles to everything in between – particularly on the North Shore – Bruce was the guy. But now, is a potential comeback is on the horizon? Possibly.

In the latest episode of Nathan Fletcher’s video podcast, Live and Direct, Nate asks his old friend Bruce about his departure from the surfing spotlight and his subtle, yet very welcomed, return.

“This is what I wanna ask you,” says Nate. “I know you’re just back from some recovery, and we’re so thankful for where you’re at right now. The whole world wants to hear from Bruce; the whole world wants to see the greatest comeback ever in surfing, not to put any pressure on your shoulders. But…”

Then Bruce, in very classic Bruce form, cuts him off:

“You can’t call it a comeback if you didn’t go anywhere.”

“What’s your plans?” Nate picks it back up. "What’re you up to? How do you feel?”

Well, lately, Bruce has resurfaced from obscurity. First, it was in the form of a testimonial for a mental health and drug treatment center, which uses the psychedelic ibogaine. Then, he picked up a new sponsor, Darc Sport, along with the likes of Koa Rothman, Peter Mel, and John Mel. And most recently, he was featured in a Koa Rothman YouTube drop, scoring a mysto slab somewhere in Indonesia. “It’s the first barrel I got in a year, probably,” Bruce said. “It’s just the beginning.”

As for the Nathan Fletcher interview, Bruce elaborated on what’s to come:

“I’m just gonna be doing me.”

Once again, classic, coy Bruce. But a full comeback?

The Hawaii season is kicking off right now, and don’t be surprised if you see that trademark, effortless style tucking into some North Shore tubes. Oh, and not to mention, he’s an invitee to the 2024/2025 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which he won back in 2004. So, yeah, to Nate's claim: "greatest comeback ever in surfing?" Stay tuned.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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