Ring It On!

Kelly Wins Bells, Takes Big ASP Ratings Lead

Kelly Slater, undoubtedly the greatest surfer all time, just added another page to the history books today at Bells Beach in Australia. The 36 year-old scored the 36th win of his career in dramatic fashion over Bede Durbidge.  With just over three minutes remaining he needed 7.84 and decided to take a risk by paddling over to the Rincon section of the wave – where no one had surfed all day.  The gamble paid off when he raced down the line, blasted into a huge double-grab air and followed it up with a series of committed turns all the way to the beach.  He locked 8.30 for the effort and, as the seconds ticked away, the celebration began.

Just as he did in 2006, Kelly has won the first two events of the year and now has a big lead in his possible quest for a 9th World Title.  While he still hasn’t committed to doing a full year on tour, he gave strong hints afterward that he will be at the next event at Teahupo’o, Tahiti.  “I have a house reserved and every year I’ve stayed there I’ve won the contest,” he said.

The win marks the third time he’s taken home a prestigious bell trophy, putting him in the company of Mark Richards, Sunny Garcia and Michael Peterson.   Ever gracious in victory and defeat, Kelly singled out fellow Quik team rider Dane Reynolds for high praise at the awards presentation.  Reynolds, in only his second event of his WCT career, made the quaterfinals of the contest, posted the highest wave and heat scores, and inspired everyone who watched him surf, especially Kelly. “I think Dane might arguably the best surfer in the world right now,” he said. “ Just everything from barrels to airs to carves, he’s really got the whole bag of tricks and power and everything. He’s so well rounded, and I think that’s got us all pretty fired up.”

2007 ASP Rookie of the Year, Jeremy Flores, finished 9th in the event and now finds himself 4th in the overall ratings. Not bad for a 19 year-old.

Congratulations to Kelly, Dane and Jeremy from everyone at Quiksilver.