Kelly Slater, in Manly for Sydney Surf Pro, opens up about Christchurch shooting tragedy

Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater has arrived in Manly for the Sydney Surf Pro, following a visit to New Zealand in which he has described the Christchurch shooting massacre as ‘a sad day for the world’.

Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater has arrived in Manly for the Sydney Surf Pro, following a visit to New Zealand in which he has described the Christchurch shooting massacre to the Manly Daily as ‘a sad day for the world’.

“It’s probably the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen — I did actually see the footage of it,” Slater said.

Pro surfer Kelly Slater in action. Picture: Brian Bielmann / AFP

“I just can’t believe that somebody could ever get to a place where they believe that’s the right thing to do to anyone.

“What a sad day for the world and for humanity.

Tributes laid in Christchurch following the massacre. Picture: (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File)

“What an unexpected thing to happen in New Zealand.

“What a nightmare... it’s unspeakable.”

Kelly Slater with Manly MP James Griffin. Picture: Salty Dingo

Slater — who was greeted by Manly MP James Griffin upon his arrival in Manly this evening — said he was looking forward to competing in the contest, which is being held at North Steyne.

“I’ve been watching the comp the last two days,” he said.

“Just to see what the waves are like and expecting what to ride.

“Will just try to get through a couple of heats and get into the weekend.”

The Sydney Surf Pro is unique for Slater in the sense it is not a Championship Tour event and will include many surfers angling to make it onto surfing’s top circuit.

World Champion Kelly Slater while surfing in South Africa in 2017 Picture: WSL

He said he was relishing going head-to-head with some of surfing’s up-and-coming stars.

“There are a lot of great young guys in these small conditions,” he said.

“The Brazilian guys are a huge issue to deal with – they grew up in this kind of stuff.

“I grew up in this kind of stuff — but they’re all really hungry trying to make the tour.

“That’s the challenge, when you’re that hungry you’re really highly aware of every little movement in the water and you want it.

“So you’ve got to battle against those guys and get through that.”

Slater is scheduled to be in action at 10.50am tomorrow morning (Wednesday).