Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater has admitted to having watched the footage of the Christchurch mass shootings online, following a visit to New Zealand.
Slater was in Auckland when the terror attack took place on Friday in what was his first visit to New Zealand since 1993.
Arriving inManly for the Sydney Surf Pro, Slater spoke to the Manly Daily about the attack, describing the horrific footage as the "most disgusting thing" he'd ever seen.
"I did actually see the footage of it," Slater said. "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.
Slater showed the crowd why he was such a legend of the sport. Photo / Ella Buckle
After visiting the local surf shop, Slater arrived at a Mangawhai Heads surf club prizegiving and was greeted by a swarm of keen young nippers along with a variety of lifeguards, club members and local beach-going families.
Although Slater's visit to the beach was a well-kept secret, word spread quickly that the surfing legend was in town and about 100 people gathered to see what could be the only time Slater surfed these shores.
Later that evening, Slater said in an Instagram post that he was fortunate to be in such a beautiful country and sent his thoughts to those struggling with Friday's attack.
"What a beautiful part of the world and even more reason to find myself, like everyone, in shock the past two days over the tragedy in Christchurch," Slater said in his post.
"My heart goes out to everyone affected by this horrible, despicable act."
