“I couldn’t live anywhere but here—no way,” a relaxed and content Bruce Irons says about his home in Hanalei. The 24-year-old Hawaiian surfer is best known for his progressive stunts and aggressive style, busting big airs and riding insanely deep in the tube. He’s proven that Pipeline is his domain, winning the Xbox Pipeline Masters in 2001 and back-to-back Gotcha Pipeline titles in 2001 and 2002. SG caught up with Bruce just before New Year’s Eve as he was cruising on the beach on the North Shore of Kauai, the idyllic paradise that continues to produce surfers who are as beautiful as the waves.

SG: Do you hate it when people call you Brucie?
Bruce: Kind of, yeah. I mean, my name is Bruce.

Do people ever get you confused with your brother Andy?
All the time. I don’t know how they can get us confused—I’m much better-looking!

Do you have a girlfriend?
Yes, I do. (Sorry, girls!) She’s great, she’s beautiful. I’ve known her my whole life—she’s not a groupie or anything!

Do you have any pets?
I have a dog. He’s a Japanese Chin named Mochi. It looks just like a gremlin. He’s three months old.

You’re famous for dropping into some of the biggest, gnarliest waves at Pipe. Do you ever hesitate?
You have to have full confidence. Paddle your hardest, don’t look behind you, and concentrate on what you’re doing. If I know I’m not going to make it, I cover my head and try to be a cat on the reef. Then I shake it off in the channel and make sure I don’t do it again.

What do you do when the surf is junk or flat?
Just relax and cruise. I like to skateboard, play pool, whatever. I like to fish.

Future goals?
Win the world title. I’m sure that’s a lot of
people’s goals!