Happenings

Kelly Wins the 2005 Boost Mobile Pro Presented by Quiksilver!

15 years after he revolutionized modern surfing at Trestles with a win in the 1990 Surfbout, Kelly Slater took a major step towards a 7th world title today by taking out the 2005 Boost Mobile Pro presented by Quiksilver.

Kelly fell behind charging Aussie Phil MacDonald in the final, but with his trademark dramatic flair he seized the victory by ripping a wave to pieces in the final minutes for a 9.07.  Kelly dedicated the win to his young daughter, Taylor, who was on hand and had never before seen her dad surf in a contest.  "She was at the airport ready to go back to Florida today, but decided at the last minute to stay and I'm so stoked she's here for this," said Slater.

The big surf from Friday had dropped considerably by the time of the final, but was still clean and well shaped.  Winning the contest was not only a big deal for Kelly for sentimental reasons (It was at the scene of his earliest triumph and it's the first Quiksilver affiliated WCT event he's won since 1996), but it also puts him squarely on course for number 7.  According to Renato Hickel of the ASP, if Kelly gets a first or second next week at the Quiksilver Pro France he clinches the World Title.  

You can bet he'll be dreaming of perfect barrels at Hossegor tonight!