2011 Billabong Pro Tahiti: Kelly Slater's Incredible Results

The Billabong Pro Tahiti is event No. 5 of 11 on the 2011 ASP World Title season and the event's incredible conditions attracted some of the world’s best surfers to Tahiti.

Kelly Slater was named the victor of the 2011 ASP Billabong Pro Tahiti over Owen Wright in clean four-to-six foot waves at Teahupo’o.

Kelly Slater began to really pick up steam in the excellent conditions, defeating Josh Kerr in the Semifinals before meeting Owen Wright in the Finals.

The iconic American utilized his superior backhand tube-riding technique to post an 18.43 heat total out of a possible 20, which was too much for his younger opponent to overcome.

“I felt like I finally hit my stride in the Semifinals this morning,” said Kelly Slater. “In the Final, I fell on a couple of waves that were maybe better than what I ended up getting scored on. These are the best conditions this event has ever run in. It’s been a phenomenal week.”

Coming into Tahiti rated No. 6 on the ASP World Title rankings, Slater’s win today rockets the Floridian to the No. 1 spot after a number of top seeds suffered early eliminations at the hands of an unmerciful Teahupo’o.

“It’s one of those weird events where you have to scramble through the early rounds,” Slater said. “You have to be in tune with the tides, swell direction and everything to make sure you get those waves that get you the score.”

Kelly Slater's win at the 2011 Billabong Pro Tahiti marked his 47th elite tour victory (out of 67 Finals appearances). Owen Wright secured the best result of his young career, finishing Runner-Up at the Billabong Pro Tahiti. The progressive Australian was a standout at Teahupo’o, notching perfect rides and impressive victories with ease.