Kelly Slater has a long history in the sport of surfing. He’s 51 years old and still competes in WSL competitions, meaning he’s spent more than half his life surfing professionally. A few days earlier, the VIVO Rio Pro concluded without Slater, for reasons that remain unclear. The local fans in Rio were disappointed since this was the second time the American surfer had skipped the Brazilian contest. Recently seen practicing in his widely known artificial surf pool, the American surfing great has confirmed his participation in the forthcoming Corona Open J-Bay in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Slater can be seen surfing in his wave pool in a video that has gone viral on social media. In anticipation of seeing the surfing icon compete in the South African WSL event, the announcement comes only days before the Corona Open J-Bay.

Practicing his surfing maneuvers

On July 13, the Corona Open J-Bay will begin, and the American surfing great can’t wait. Slater is seen training in his innovative artificial wave pool technology, which is widely used by surfers all over the globe. Kelly Slater can be seen surfing and warming up for the competition in an Instagram video provided by David Angel Castro. You can see the 11-time WSL winner attempting many different moves throughout the video. He also seizes the opportunity to grab a barrel and disappears entirely on the crest of a wave. He decides to focus on a flawless barrel, but his training doesn’t stop there since he has other skills to display.

ALSO READ – “Has Been My Hero”: Kelly Slater Pays a Heartfelt Tribute to 58-Year-Old Compatriot for Influencing His Surfing Career

Slater quickly grabs another barrel and flawlessly navigates his way through its contents. After that, he goes back to practice the surfing maneuvers that have made him famous in WSL competitions. In addition, at age 51, the surfer surprises his devoted followers by doing an impressive aerial and backflip.

Seeing Slater out on the water again is a treat for the spectators. Many of his devoted followers were dismayed when the surfing great bowed out of the 2023 VIVO Rio Pro for reasons that remain a mystery. This visit, though, will be monumental as they get to see the 11-time WSL champion ride the waves of South Africa.

Fans excited for the return of Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater reposted a post on his Instagram story of him surfing in his home wave pool. And as soon as he posted it, surfers from all over flooded David Angel Castro’s post with their thoughts on the 11-time WSL champion’s comeback.

As it’s the legend training on the waves, this comment read, “Let’s fkn go Kelly GOAT CHAMP LEGEND.” Slater’s not participating in Rio Pro did make some of his fans worry for the rest of the season; however, as he is back now, this comment read, “Lorddddd have mercy he’s RIPPINNNNNNN shhhooooooooo.”

Another fan is just psyched to see him out there in the artificial wave pool; as they say, “would love to surf this place day or night.” It looks like the thing that took the video is being appreciated by fans, as this comment read, “The drone!!!”

Surfers are waiting for the Corona Open J-Bay event to arrive so they can show their mettle in the WSL season finals.

WATCH THIS STORY – “I’d like to see the books”: Surfing Hall-of-famer questions WSL on choice of major sponsorships