Evans Head surfer Callum Robson beats world’s best Kelly Slater

An Australian rookie surfer is riding the wave of stardom after knocking over the world’s best surfer in the first round of the Hurley Pro.

Three months ago Callum Robson was preparing at his home in Evans Head for his first World Surf League Championship tour.

The 21-year old rookie had help from his local community who raised more than $13,000 for him to chase his world surfing dream.

Callum Robson is an Evans Head local taking on the world’s best

Now, in only his second pro event, he has defied the odds to beat the world’s best surfer Kelly Slater in the opening round of the Hurley Pro at Hawaii’s Sunset Beach.

Robson has advanced to the round of 32 against fellow Australian Jack Robinson.

Slater, 50, has been crowned surfing world champion a record 11 times and is one the most successful male champions in the history of the sport.

However, he played his cards wrong against Robson and other wildcard Barron Mamiya.

Slater found himself relegated to the elimination round after giving Robson the last wave of the heat.

In a building north swell the Evans Head rookie found a clean line and performed an under-the-hood hack to finish ahead of Slater.

Robson finished on a 9.83 and Mamiya stayed in front with a score of 11.40 in the opening round.

Buoyed by his performance against the world’s best he will back himself against Robinson in the round of 32.

He finished ninth in the Billabong Pro a few weeks ago while Robinson was placed at 17th, however Robinson scored 12.40 in his opening round.