Kelly Slater advances at Tahiti Pro amid heavy surf

Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater, competing as a wildcard, advanced to the second round of the Tahiti Pro after navigating heavy and unruly surf at Teahupo’o. The 54-year-old scored a two-wave total of 16.23 to secure a matchup against Brazil’s Gabriel Medina.

The competition conditions were characterized by large swells and strong winds. Slater's performance included a near-perfect 9 for a deep tube ride. Other notable performances included Olympic gold medalist Kauli Vaast, while competitors Matthew McGillivray and Ramzi Boukhiam faced difficult conditions during their heats.

This marks Slater's 21st appearance at the Teahupo’o break, a location where he has previously secured five victories.