Surf Photog Steve Sherman Relives the Kelly Slater and Andy Irons Rivalry

Surf photographer Steve Sherman has spent three decades documenting the World Championship Tour.

That means he's got a lot of great shots. But perhaps more importantly, he's got a lot of good stories.

On the latest episode of "The Lineup" with Dave Prodan, Sherman shares his first-hand experience with the rivalry between 11-time world champ Kelly Slater and three-time world champ Andy Irons.

The World Surf League posted the video above, captioning it:

"Legendary surf photojournalist Steve Sherman joins The Lineup to talk about his career shooting our sport and its greatest athletes. After working the 2023 Rip Curl WSL Finals, he breaks down his approach and also the major differences between today’s best and the extreme characters of the past.

"He shares the story of how a kid from Indiana got into surf photography, skating on the GS team with Stacy Peralta, his transition from skateboarding to surfing and developing his own style.

"Steve also talks about having access to the world’s best surfers over his career, how to balance friendships and professional relationships on tour, and the evolution of the epic Kelly Slater and Andy Irons rivalry."

At the top of the episode, Prodan asks if the rivalry was authentic:

Sherman says yes, and elaborates:

"Andy was rock and roll. He lived life like a rock star, he was full of energy, he could go to fifth gear. He liked to party, he loved being with people, he loved having a good time.

"Andy was a little more aggressive than Kelly because Andy was a little more jealous I think."

But in the end, they let it go.

Sherman continued:

"After Andy passed away, Kelly told me he really loved him, and he cared about him, and he was worried about him."

"I found the whole thing beautiful how it came full circle.

Press play above to hear more about the rivalry and Sherman's career.

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