More than three decades after he first competed at Bells Beach, superstar veteran Kelly Slater made an opening day impact at the Rip Curl Pro, taking his first heat win of the year as the Easter classic got under way.
Slater, now 52, and with 11 world championship wins on his legendary resume, took down world No.2 Jon Jon Florence to start his 27th event at Bells Beach in style.
About to become a father for the second time, Slater, who finished 17th in each of his two events so far in 2024, said he had brought a new board to what could be his final time competing at Bells and was “feeling good vibes” at an event he’s won four times.
“Thirty years since my first win here, 32 years since my first event here … it’s good to be back,” he said as he booked passage to the third round. “It would be a real dream for me to try and bookend and win it 30 years later, but for now I’m just trying to enjoy the event, enjoy the people.”
Slater has been staying near Bells in the same house with Quicksilver founder Alan Green and his family since 1996, a situation he says creates the perfect atmosphere for him to thrive.
“We have dinners at home with the family, I have a dog there,” he said.
“Good way to start the day, get the jitters out. I don’t always win heats, but when I do I like to beat Jon Jon.”
Jack Robinson became the first Australian trough to the third round after a close battle with countryman Morgan Cibilic, securing his heat win by just 0.16 of a point.
