The Kauaian is the only man who has legitimately stood up to Kelly Slater in competition and kicked his arse, not just once, but repeatedly, sometimes just on a whim. Andy is without a doubt the most successful surfer to come out of the Hawaiian Islands. His composed, almost casual style, combined with a repertoire of moves and ruthless efficiency in competition made him the most formidable of competitors.

The very fact he came on tour and took it to Kelly is one of the reasons Kelly became so great himself, the two of them ramping up the competitive level to a point where world tour was a two horse race. Sadly Andy’s life was cut short, with his death in Texan hotel room shrouded in mystery. Had he lived longer he no doubt would have been higher up the list.