Andy Irons Memorial | Photo by Lachlin MacKinnon

In a moving tribute, Hawaii bid Aloha to surfing champion Andy Irons with a paddle out in Hanalei Bay, Kauai.

Jodi Wilmott, a spokesperson for the Irons family, described it as a “heartfelt day.”  She said Andy’s younger brother, Bruce, led about 1,000 of his brother’s friends in a paddle-out.  They surrounded the double-hulled canoe carrying the Irons ohana (Andy’ wife, Lyndie, his parents and close friends).  Thousands more watched from the shore, as the surfing champion’s ashes were released into the sea, and flowers poured from a helicopter hovering above.

At the same time, tributes took place around the world, from Australia to Europe, and on the U.S. mainland.