Ironbums
Remember the hippies, those blossom beings of the 60s with beards, bare feet and balmy brains from too much marijuana and LSD? If you’re in Kona, look around: a new, streamlined breed of hippies has emerged - the Iron Hippie.
In the '60s the most exercise hippies got involved running away from tear gas, carrying signs at anti-war demonstrations and striking matches to burn draft cards. The closest they got to water was an infrequent shower.
Today a new sort of hippie appears: a sleek endurance triathlete who has chosen to live in triathlon mecca - Kona, Hawaii, home of the Ironman. The Ironbum will endure any hardship, live comfortably in any lifestyle and will be happy as he or she can train, train and train.
I’m not sure Ironbums exist anymore. Although. IMO. It’s still possible to do triathlon inexpensively. Simple equipment. Local races. And there certainly used to be plenty of Ironbum-like characters on the UK triathlon scene in the 80s and 90s. But I won’t name names here.
Anyway the article is a fun one. From Tri-Athlete (USA) October 1984. Following 4 triathletes living low-cost in Kona.
Chip Salaun leans on a dumpster as he explains how he went from mountaineering and nature photographer to triathlon. And from Colorado to Kona. Chip is on the edge financially. Living low-coast and getting bits of money from sponsors and training rich wanna-be triathletes.
Kona local, Gorden “Slash” Gaspar won a case of beer from friends when he finished the 1981 Ironman. The first in Kona. Although he’s still into to ocean canoeing and surfing. Working as hula dancer on cruise ships gives him the basic finances to keep truckin’ in triathlon.
Garry Daintry was a former British Army officer, helicopter pilot and stockbroker. He left a comfy life in Hong Kong to do the October 1982 Ironman. Arriving in August and coach-surfing until race day. After the Ironman Gary decided to stay in Hawaii and live frugally. Going out only once a fortnight. Even when girlfriends come to visit!
Garry died in 2021. Age 82. Seems to have enjoyed a hard-core life!
Sepa Tanoai is a Samoan chief who decided to get fit when he watched his cousin run the 1978 Honolulu Marathon. He started jogging and lost 50kg. In 1981 while worked an Ironman aid-station he was inspired to get involved in triple fitness. For cash he drives trucks for film companies. This is how he’s able to borrow Tom Selleck’s bike to race on!
Ken “Cowman” Shirk remained part of Ironman folklore until his death in 2023. Age 81. He was known for his beard, long hair and furry horned hats and cycling helmets. This thread on Slowtwitch is worth a read. Here’s my favourite quote. From Titanflexr: “Cowman was a true character from an era when Ironman was a magnet for fitness eccentrics.”
If you are aware of any modern day Ironbums. Let me know!
Images: Tri-Athlete (USA) October 1984
