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It's not often a member of the surfing elite makes a visit to Northland, let alone the best of them all: Kelly Slater.
The 11-time world champion surfer made a surprise appearance to Mangawhai Heads beach on midday Sunday in what was his first visit to New Zealand since 1993. Slater, born in the United States, was in the country as a guest player in a golf tournament at Tara Iti golf club in Mangawhai.
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.
Kelly Slater taking the time to sign a framed surfing fin for young Vivienne Buckle. Photo / Ella Buckle
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.
"There was rumours that Kelly was going to pop down and see the kids but it was really vague, no one knew he was heading there," Mangawhai Heads surf club executive member Tony Baker said.
In a small surf, Slater was still able to show the crowd why he was such a legend of the sport. Photo / Ella Buckle
After answering a number of questions from young and old surfers alike, Slater gave Mangawhai locals a snapshot of his skills in what was quite small surf.
"Everyone just swarmed out into the surf and [Slater] got a few waves in but the surf was pretty average," Baker said.
"It's pretty surreal, having the king of surfing at our beach."
Slater also donated a signed board to the club which would be hung in the clubrooms to commemorate his visit. Baker said he was glad to see Slater visit a less-populated surfing area.
"If he'd pulled up to Piha or Raglan, the whole surfing world would have been there to watch," Baker said.
"Our kids will be buzzing on that for the rest of their lives."
Kelly Slater answering the questions of eager children and parents. Photo / Tony Baker
Baker said Slater's presence was a great surprise for people who were already feeling down after the terrorist attack in Christchurch on Friday.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Slater said 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."
Salter was due to head off to Australia today to compete in a world surf league (WSL) event in Sydney before heading up to the WSL Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast.
