Riding in for the fans

Surf star Andy Irons remembers how inspirational it was to meet a legend when he was a kid, so he doesn’t mind making himself available to the fans now.

“It’s part of the job, but it’s also our direct connection between us and the public,” Irons said. “As kids that’s how we met our heroes, usually at autograph signings when we were groms.”

Before taking to the waves at Lower Trestles for the Boost Mobile Pro competition on Tuesday, Irons and other top-ranked surfers will meet their fans from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Beachworks in South Coast Plaza.

Fresh off the plane from traveling and surfing abroad, Irons, Taj Burrows, Joel “Parko” Parkinson, Mark Occhilupo and Shaun Cansdell will be on hand to sign autographs and answer questions. All the guys are part of the Billabong team and are ranked in the top 20.

“It’s the top guys in the world, and you can’t really interact with them on a daily [basis] … but this will be the time they are available to the public,” Beachworks spokesman AJ Jha said. “I think these events are good because it makes these people come to life. You just read about them in a magazine or see them on TV, but it’s so different than actually meeting them in person and realizing they’re a human being.”

Surf fans can have the guys autograph boards, T-shirts, magazines, pictures or anything else they can think of. The pros are internationally renowned and even Beachworks staff is stoked about their appearance.

“Everybody’s really pumped,” Jha said. “These guys are so big — it’s basically like having Arnold Schwarzenegger come to your store to hang out.”

Those who come will also have a chance to win a ton of Billabong swag, stuff that the guys get as a perk for riding for the company. None of the guys ever thought they’d be surfing for a living but are stoked to be doing so despite constantly being in airports and traveling without their families.

“When they were young, it was their dream, and it’s hard work and perseverance and dedication and the ability that got them there,” said Billabong team manager Steve Clark. “They’re living their dream right now.”

Because of these guys’ stature in the surfing community, Jha recommends people show up with their gear early. Last month, 400 people cruised to the store for a signing with the Element skateboarding team on the heels of the X Games.

During the course of his professional career, Irons has pulled in over $1 million in earnings — not to mention the bragging rights that come with being a three-time world champion — making him the most successful of the four guys making the Beachworks appearance and second only to surfing legend Kelly Slater on the tour. Burrows is ranked No. 2 in the world, and trails only Slater.

Beachworks opened in 2004 to provide a retail option for surfers and skaters at South Coast Plaza. The store’s mission is to offer products rooted in art, music and the board culture. The store has “all the top, cool brands” and is a perfect place for the surfers to hang out.

Tuesday through Saturday, Irons will defend his Boost Mobile championship, with Slater and Burrows promising to put up a good fight.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Andy Irons, Taj Burrows, Joel “Parko” Parkinson, Mark Occhilupo and Shaun Cansdell at Beachworks in South Coast Plaza

WHERE: 3333 Bristol St., across from Rainforest Cafe, near Sears

WHEN: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday

COST: Free

INFO: www.beachworksshops.com or (714) 754-0221