The best photos from Kelly's historic victory

A dozen legendary images from one of the greatest days in surfing history


February 6
|EN Recent
|POR DUKE

Special coverage presented by Crown Uruguay - Cover photo: Slater in tears, hugged by young Seth Moniz. His father, Tony, was a touring legend in the 1980s. 

All photos: WSL-Heff/Bielman

Related Notes:

The chronicle of victory

Slater said this may have been his last event 

It's impossible not to get excited about Kelly

Victoria 56, eight of them at Pipe. That board, hand-shaped by Gerry Lopez. All photos: WSL-Heff/Bielman
In his 30-plus years of surfing Pipe, 38 to be exact, Slater has made friends with the locals and earned their respect. And this is no small feat.
The sea pumped perfectly for Kelly to win: It was big and dangerous. Kelly said he focused on staying in his zone, "breathing and being present." The strategy worked perfectly for him.
And while there were waves for Pipe, he won by going for Backdoor and landing two over 9s that gave him a near-perfect 18,83.
Slater in his element.
It's incredible to think that Seth Moniz hadn't even been born and Kelly, at 28, was already the best in history.
That cry was heard around the world.
And those tears made everyone cry.
The perfect approach to Pipe, the same one he used when he won in '96.
The field where you have to prove yourself, being able to surf well at Pipe is the ultimate achievement to be considered a quality surfer.
The history of surfing in three important families: The Slaters, the Irons and the Moniz. Important photo.
Another exciting episode of the awards ceremony: Slater's words to Axel Irons about his father. It's impossible not to mention how much the young Axel resembles his father Andy.
Comments:

coronauy Kelly Slater