KELLY SLATER TOOK one-step closer to his 11th ASP World Championship by taking out the Billabong Pro Tahiti. The veteran, Slater now leads the title race after five competitions.
The win was Slater’s 47th elite tour victory out of a stunning 67 Finals appearances, marking Slater as a true legend of his sport.
The final was graced with some perfect 6-8ft waves as the thunderous white water pounded over the shallow reefs at Teahupo’o. Slater made the best of the perfect conditions delivering an awesome showcase in backhand tube riding, out scoring Australian Owen Wright 14.50 to 10.60.
The earlier rounds saw some even bigger swells, and a lay-day was called when the waves got too big to paddle into. Search Youtube for ‘Teahupo’o Code RED’ for the amazing footage of the tow-in surfing from that day. In the meantime enjoy a recap of what has easily been the best event of the season so far:
Good waves everyone…
Weather Overview
Summer is over and its time for the September sessions to start. And thankfully the wave gods are holding up their end of the bargain. A tightly packed weather system will move into the north Atlantic and deliver some decent swell for the weekend. Building from about lunchtime today.
The north – Winds stay southerly till about midday tomorrow and its in this period you will see the best of the waves. Then it will be cross-shore for while before returning southerly Sunday. Almost perfect.
Co Donegal/Sligo – One word to describe tonight’s conditions: Epic. Strong north swell and southerly winds. A bit cross and messy tomorrow before cleaning up again Sunday.
Co Clare – The northern epicenter of the swell is not ideal for Lahinch. You’ll be hoping that it will refract round the headland and in. Better options elsewhere.
Dingle Peninsula – Brandon Bay is the place to be, with all peaks possibly working. Offshore today and Sunday but winds from the west on Saturday mean that Brandon Harbour could be worth checking out to get some shelter.
Cork & The South – North swell means one thing for the guys & gals of Cork… Road Trip!
Disclaimer – These weather reports are intended as a general overview of swell running in that area. These are predictions and actual wave size may vary. Do not enter the water alone or without adequate equipment and do not enter surf that is too large for your abilities. We cannot be held responsible for any decisions you make based on this information. For daily weather information follow @dinglesurf on Twitter.com.
