Kelly Slater

Will Kelly Slater go for nine?

Kelly Slater, current eight-time world surfing champion has confirmed that he will be on Australian Gold Coast to defend his last years victory at Quiksilver Pro. This is the first event of the year so it is still impossible to say if Kelly will surf the whole tour and try to win an unbelievable ninth world title.

Kelly Slater on 2007 season

“This year I'll just take whatever approach seems to make most sense to be relaxed and not worry about results so I'll be able to perform in the most free way.”

How Kelly won his eight world title in 2006

Last year started about the same, Kelly was not sure if he will compete on the tour. But Slater did very well on his first match of the year when he won over Taj Burrow in then also won the final of last years Quiksilver Pro. Good result kick started Kelly's most consistent year ever. Last year his worst result was fifth place and he won his eighth world crown with two events remaining on the 2006 calendar.

Kelly Slater later explained: “I was just relaxed. When you don't expect anything, good things happen. When you expect to win something, there's no upside. It all just came together.”

Kelly Slater's rivals in Australia

Gold Coast surfers have proven to be Slater’s most dangerous rivals in the opening world tour event. All three ‘Coolangatta Kids’ have claimed victory at their local break of Snapper Rocks with world no.6 Joel Parkinson winning in 2002, world no.10 Dean Morrison in 2003 and world no.3, Mick Fanning in 2004.

The world champion knows that local wave knowledge is a key factor at Snapper Rocks but is confident in the fact that he broke through for his first Gold Coast victory since 1998 with his 2006 Quiksilver Pro win.

Kelly Slater on Gold Coast

“Good surfing usually wins on the Gold Coast but there's also knowing the waves and which ones to take.I love the waves there and got over that hump of not winning on the Gold Coast for a long time last year, so I'm ready for some fun. I'm looking forward to it for sure.”

Kelly Slater on 2007 Tour Rookies

Will the 2007 rookies raise surfing standards this year? “It's incremental each year and this one will be no different. Luke Munro and Josh Kerr will surprise a few people for sure."

Luke Munro on Kelly Slater

“Kelly is the best surfer ever and the most dangerous thing is that he knows it. He can beat any one at any break and when you have that over your competitors, it gives you the edge.”

So what will Kelly Slater do? Let's wait and see.

13.02.2007. 03:56

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