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Kelly Slater wins the Quiksilver Pro, France

Kelly Slater just beat Dane Reynolds in the final of the Quiksilver Pro, France. La Graviere was beyond splendid, Dane beat John Florence in the first semi, Kelly beat Joel Parkinson in the second, and the final rolled out. And, Kelly got it done. His first win in France, ever, which is hard enough to believe in itself. “Maybe I should go into it thinking I can’t win,” said Kelly before the event started. “And see what happens.”

Dane's awesome gal, Courtney, and her mid-game message.

And Dane's awesome gal, Courtney's post-game message. Kelly and Kalani on the left, Dane and Courts on the right.

80 View comments
80 comments so far...
1.

ADS, TAKE NOTE:
You will never see Kelly or Dane carry the American flag up the beach in France, South Africa, or wherever…with Americans chanting,”USA!!!” after a victory…. its never gonna happen….. NO PRIDE CELEBRATION or claim pumping dance on the p0dium.. if either Dane or Kelly would win. they realize that they are Surfers, not HYPED UP representatives of “their people.”

We like Kelly for Kelly, We like Dane for Dane, period. We appreciate their individual talents. Not for their flag or exhibitionism. Take Note ADS.

by liberty bell 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (36)
2.

i accidentally saw a brazilian guy squatting down taking a shit in a public beach restroom today.. it reminded me of adriano de souzas surfing style.

by Skeletor 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (29)
3.

Ratboy schooling?
ummmm…. well, I guess if you still believe we are watching The Kill by Josh Pomer and air reverses are non-standard.
have you been awake for the last decade? this isn’t 1998, Michael Keaton is not Batman.
guys can surf now … you can keep your rats, fleas, condors, and zoltans….

Response to # by schooled 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (28)
4.

I just want to see Dane win something

by hank mardukas 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (19)
5.

There is talk of a Dane wildcard in Santa Cruz (Oneill). We’ll see what transpires….

by STABmag 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (18)
1.

Script was written. Kelly’s ego needs to be fully stroked before he retires. Ke12y, wins contest he never did (in France where he won his first) against who he’s called the world’s best surfer for years. Almost getting tired of this, except he’s 40.

by All Hail The King 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
2.

Dane looked spooked on the podium. Fuck it!

by TT 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
3.

I wish he won.

by TT 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (4)
4.

I just want to see Dane win something

by hank mardukas 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (19)
    5.

    He won five heats in a row on his way to the final. That’s something.

    Response to #4 by Dingo 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (14)
6.

Kelly did win there in ’92, he said it was 20 years after his first ever victory.

Gutted Dane couldn’t seal it, fuck, how sick would that have been!? Came so close, oh Dane.

by Yep 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (5)
7.

There is talk of a Dane wildcard in Santa Cruz (Oneill). We’ll see what transpires….

by STABmag 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (18)
    8.

    There is no talk of that, Donkeys. Do not spread made up rumors. It’s an O’neill comp, and it will go to an O’neill guy.

    Response to #7 by SC Guy 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (10)
9.

And you know what else, he doesn’t even have an Instagram account, it only makes me respect him more.

by Yep 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (9)
10.

I heard a Ratboy wildcard – it’s only fitting, he’ll school many at the Lane!!

by BArney 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (6)
    11.

    Ratboy schooling?
    ummmm…. well, I guess if you still believe we are watching The Kill by Josh Pomer and air reverses are non-standard.
    have you been awake for the last decade? this isn’t 1998, Michael Keaton is not Batman.
    guys can surf now … you can keep your rats, fleas, condors, and zoltans….

    Response to #10 by schooled 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (28)
      12.

      No Rat, no Dane, none of these other guys who can do airs…show some respect, kook…and yeah, on the right day, you will see most of the top 40 go down at the Lane surfing against him. It’s the reason why Slater said he wouldn’t want to draw a heat against him back then!

      Response to #10 by Norcal 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
        13.

        show some respect?
        to a guy that hasn’t even won an ASP contest, WQS contest, Bud tour contest, No world title … nothing but maybe… an air show win?????? are you kidding me?
        Show some respect?
        How about you show some competence in your knowledge of surfers, surf contests, etc?
        You have one hand on the rats nuts and the other petting his whiskers… get the f3ck out of here… this guy never earned anyone’s respect. He’s never won a man’s contest… maybe a little league air show, but that’s it. Goon. Wake up, its not 1998 anymore.

        Response to #10 by Santa Cruz drug addicts and corpse depot 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (5)
          14.

          Thanks for letting me know we are all drug addicts…I will get to that right after work! Since “we” all know… I suppose Nat, Austin, & Nic are all on the down low too?!? Oh yeah, it was only one back flip, also? Maybe one of these days you will enjoy the view of a section clearing punt over your head? like I said, come by and tell us how we are all high and stuck in the 90′s… Yup, we all suck! Come out… it’s a real friendly sport. You otta give it a try.

          Response to #10 by Norcal 08 Oct 2012 Report  (0)
        15.

        Nah, not gonna take the bs. You actually think that local guys can’t school guys at spots they have surfed their whole lives? And, you site the fact that he hasn’t surfed an ASP contest and won, when Kelly, himself said he would be nervous?!? Since when does the best surfer ever throw props for no reason? First thing…second, are you sitting there claiming you have no respect for a guy that invented stuff you will never do, then you accuse Rat of being an addict?!? Very lame!! Know before you go. Third, any of you who think it will be Rat are not paying attention to the ratings. There is another guy on the team, a kid named Nat Young. Heard of him???? Most likely the choice if they are considering an Oneill guy, and he might put a couple guys through the ringer. The Lane is a tough spot to surf, especially when it’s up. We’ll see…

        BTW, feel free to stop on by any locale here in SC. I’m sure you will be greeted cordially, given all your lovely perspective about us. All of us being drug addicts and corpses and all. What you find is there are many clean minded people who just happen to have learned to manage their own business because it’s a fairly competitive region. Has been since the 60′s. Nah…not today. Yeah, I said it…show respect to the guys that paved the way. Even if they got problems.

        Response to #10 by Norcal 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
          16.

          You sit here and prop up a guy who did a backside air reverse AND HAS DONE NOTHING SINCE…ZERO.

          Its not a big deal anymore. You have nothing to prop up. The Santa Cruz story was over in the nineties. No one is paying attention. No one is listening. SC is known for its drug culture. Ask anyone beyond the local druggies. You can’t undo the reputation. Keep the nineties flame burning…… WE ALL KNOW SC = BURN-OUTS.

          Response to #10 by marijuanaville, sc 08 Oct 2012 Report  (3)
17.

Great final I would have enjoyed seeing more topless or naked French beauties during the event though…you just can’t please everyone dudes.

by Surferrrr 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (5)
18.

if dane would have done a kickflip in the shore pound… could have made the difference.

by zoltan torkos 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
19.

Because John is in the title race, I believe Dane won’t get a wild card. He’s a spoiler.

by TY 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (5)
20.

“beyond awesome”? Gay and awesome at once.

by Brains 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
21.

The absurdity of Kelly still winning is beyond comprehension. Absolutely beyond.

by BEYOND 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (10)
22.

ADS, TAKE NOTE:
You will never see Kelly or Dane carry the American flag up the beach in France, South Africa, or wherever…with Americans chanting,”USA!!!” after a victory…. its never gonna happen….. NO PRIDE CELEBRATION or claim pumping dance on the p0dium.. if either Dane or Kelly would win. they realize that they are Surfers, not HYPED UP representatives of “their people.”

We like Kelly for Kelly, We like Dane for Dane, period. We appreciate their individual talents. Not for their flag or exhibitionism. Take Note ADS.

by liberty bell 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (36)
    23.

    don’t forget that parko got fucked up after his banana claim. what a loser! that’s why ads keep claiming.. cuz aussies bitch about it. but guess what.. aussies claim too !!! I can see a pride fight going on there.
    fuck ads. his is not the one to compare from brazil.

    Response to #22 by parko face looks like that videogame quake 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (6)
    24.

    Patriotism is a disease, said Einstein. Not far wrong. Good comment.

    Response to #22 by TY 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (12)
    25.

    i agree that flags as any other symbols of nationalism are pathetic, but didn´t you see the surfline article dumbass? kelly is being chaired with US flag (most disgusting and tasteless and overused flag ever, by the way)

    Response to #22 by liberty bitch 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
    26.

    Brazzos have the nationalism of Hitler

    Response to #22 by true 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (5)
27.

Old baldy smokes “the best”. Undisputed in EVERY way. Great contest. Great coverage. Great result.

by L 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (6)
28.

Wow, what a contest, really! I mean, for the first time ever, I even woke up in the midle of the night to watch it, it was kelly x parko semis…

Ps. How cool is that split picture with both kelly and Dane with their gals…

by Rob 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
    29.

    its not really that cool, its kinda weird.

    Response to #28 by jon normal 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (12)
30.

How is he so good? It’s bullshit.

by Confused 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
31.

Slater is the best there ever was. Period. The guy is 40, and wins in 2 ft slop and 8ft heaving closeouts. Easy to hate the champ, but give credit where its due. Dane showed up big, and even if he did look like he wanted to run from the podium, he added to his legend with this performance.

by Reality 05 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (9)
    32.

    I’ll give credit…but at the same time there was some iffy scoring going down in the semi’s (Slates vs. Parko). That heat could have gone either way. Reminds me of that Trestles heat between Gabe Kling vs Slates where most people agreed Kling surfed better

    Response to #31 by kookburger 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
33.

nice words from kelly after winning.. and an awesome year so far

by alex 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
34.

Dane, just ONE, please! If only for the awkward podium celebration.

by Pottz 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (4)
35.

Tom cruise and Katie Holmes kissing in the booth is kind of uncomfortable isn’t it.

Imagine being a pro surfer and just getting flogged year after year by the same old guy. And then some slacker gets off the couch reluctantly, paddles out into the toughest conditions of the year, and casually rips his way to the finals without even resorting to the modern tricks he is known for. How gutted would you be? The old guy could keep beating you until he’s fifty if he wanted to and the young guy could surf circles around you if he even cared. And that is American exceptionalism . Kelly should show a bit more pride in the flag of the country that made him what he is.

by Spitball 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (6)
    36.

    There is a big difference between humility, and lack of pride. If you can be bare backing Pam Anderson, and still come across as an unblemished representative of your sport, you are doing something right. Kelly is an exception to the ‘Ugly American’ stereotype. Brazilians have pride (but pushing the limits of sportsmanship), Americans tend to have
    arrogance. Its a testament to Kelly that he doesn’t fall into either trap.

    Response to #35 by Reality 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (6)
37.

Why this Courtney thinks losing is so cool? What’s wrong with winning?

by Jan 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
    38.

    courtney is just making fun of it.
    what do you expect?
    dane smashing his boards like kolohe did with his mayhems ???
    dane acting like pretty face julian, getting all emotional and shit, letting his head down like a crying baby ???

    just smile and have fun. learn from your mistakes. it’s the best way to lose.

    Response to #37 by just live the good life 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (13)
      39.

      I really don’t expect this kind of shit from Dane! What bothers me is this “too cool to win” approach. I think it’s a waste of talent…

      Response to #37 by Jan 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
        40.

        ‘JAN’…he tried to win you Dick!

        Response to #37 by luke 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
41.

thanks sandman for the new tour link: http://www.surfinglife.com.au/news/asl-news/7167-a-new-tour

Ke12y’s schooled both Mick and PArko this year as always. Dane too nervous could never beat him because of the psych factor. Not so sure about JJF. that’s going to be interesting…

by caguamero 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
42.

Quickie contest, two quickie surfers in the final. Both great surfers, but I think we need a little bit more transparency in the judging. Were Parko’s top waves as good as Kelly’s in the semis ?

by Jai 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
    43.

    isn’t is…. “lose” .. not “loose”…..

    not that anyone really cares.

    Response to #42 by jon grammar sack 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (4)
    44.

    I don’t get it, what do the judges have to gain from being biased? Let’s hear your conspiracy theory, smart guy

    Response to #42 by you got sooo robbed, bra. soooo robbed 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
45.

ANY PICS OF ROSY???????????????????

by wanking 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (8)
46.

good job Mickey Picon!! with the tidal swings and forecast, i didn’t believe this comp was going to be a good one… i was wrong!! everything from rd 5 on was spectacular

by johnny boy 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (8)
47.

i accidentally saw a brazilian guy squatting down taking a shit in a public beach restroom today.. it reminded me of adriano de souzas surfing style.

by Skeletor 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (29)
48.

the conditions were perfect for Dane, looked like one of his vids . reality is he ,s not fit enough to win at bells , hawaii etc and he knows it .

by Kimbo 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
    49.

    Not fit enough? Youre fucking high. The dude surfs all day every day. In my college years, I surfed twice a day and partied every night and was in the best shape of my life. Not fit enough? give me a break

    Response to #48 by Body Builder Bob 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
50.

Obviously the Oneill wildcard goes to Nat Young.

by jussumbeaner 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
    51.

    The wildcard for the Coldwater is going to an Oneill rider. Nat Young does not ride for Oneill anymore. Try again.

    Response to #50 by Brosef 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
52.

Is that a starry flag I see on Kelly’s arm?

by Nationalism is a disease 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
53.

jake patterson is terrible and shouldnt be on a webcast ever again

by greg 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (4)
54.

dane reynolds surfed the best.
kellys never had the style of a tom curran, but IS quite the athlete.
rumor has it hes built a special addition to his moms house in florida just to showcase his trophys. trestles footage showed joel hugging, playing with his family/kids, and kelly praying for another trophy. kinda sad and pathetic.
but kelly CANT retire, what would belly do???? oh wait, theres golf, belley could wash kellys balls.

by kgbay 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (3)
55.

I too was disppointed Kelly used the American Flag in that way, however a fan had it on the beach and gave it to him and holding up high in National Pride is not the image he wants to project, especially at the juncture. He’d be paiting a target on his own back. I guess he would be a prick to decline the gift from the fan. The only thing was that it looked like he was not treating the flag the way it’s intended and it looked like he was almost dragging it. The American flag should not get wet nor touch the ground. I agree that the Brazzo’s chest beating and flag bradishing are obnoxious, however with all the morals and respect we’ve lost it’s not too much to ask that our flag be respected. I also don’t believe our athletes are overly arrogant, especially not compared to the 5’2″ crab stance Brazzo.

by Dixon Cider 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
    56.

    You should see a mental institution asap you psycho fan. i bet you have a shrine full of photos of parko and everybody with your cut out face next to them.

    Response to #55 by psych ward 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
      57.

      Shea? Is that you??

      Response to #55 by kgbay 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
      58.

      You must be responding to the wrong post. If not you are a delusional fag and must be developmentally disabled.

      Response to #55 by Dixon Cider 08 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
59.

Concur…..Jake Patterson should be barred from entering the CCB [central commentry booth]….he is painful to listen to and he seems to think he is a reincarnation of Jerry Sienfeld ….put Bobby Martinez in for a spell , fuck he would be entertaining and have the sponsors shitting bricks…but please quik NO MORE FUCKING SNAKE SIENFELD..

by Sevil Natas 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (4)
60.

Dane wanted to win so bad. I bet he is an adrian0-esque character that is toned down by the marketing machine

by qoz 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
61.

santa cruz is not norcal.

by central cal 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
62.

So awesome how Kelly tried to ignore the fan that gave him the flag. Once he took it he didn’t really do much with it and he got rid of it as soon as he could. Fuck flags. Flags absolutely disgust me. I say there should be an international flag burning day for free thinking global citizens to shun the infantile disease that is patriotism.

by Flag burner. 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (9)
63.

I would burn a few flags. Maybe a NorCal shirt and a SoCal shirt too.

by Slappygrind. 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
64.

At this point you have to beat the Champ. No way should Slater retire. Beat him you hot kids. Dane vs Kelly, 0-7. Dane did rip in the comp. But Kelly keep kicking their butts untill somone grows a pair.

by surfcheck 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
65.

Anyone watch Kelly v ace , round 5 heat? Some highway robbery right there! 4.9, some sl8tr points right there…

by Gumby 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (3)
66.

The American flag should be stomped on and burnt. Fuck flags they are good for nothing but inciting racism and war. Fuck passports. Fuck rules fuck regulations. Fuck aussie flags fuck Brazilian flags fuck em all. Most of all fuck southern cross tattoos! Fuck everything. Fuck

by FTW it's a joke of a place. Good waves though! 06 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (9)
    67.

    and fuck reading this and laughing..then going outside and seeing a parking ticket on my windshield

    Response to #66 by george clooney 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
68.

So many americans talking shit about flags and the brazilian pride. This LACK of patriotism and country pride is the main reason the new generation os american surfers are SO losers.

There´s NOTHING, beyond fakes Kolohe and Coffin, in the american competitive surfing horizon. Once Kelly retires, USA will be GONE in ASP. And then, they will regret what they´re saying right now. And Medina and JJF will be absolutely ruling surfing world. THAT´S THE TRUTH!

by James B 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
    69.

    technically john john is an american, but you wouldn’t know that would you ? too busy stealing bananas when you should have been studying.

    Response to #68 by dane reynolds 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
      70.

      Sorry, my friend. John John is HAWAIIAN, not American! And YES, competitive american surfing is DEAD!

      Response to #68 by James B 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
    71.

    That would be true James B, but the REAL surfing world is much bigger then the competitive tour. There is a lot of surfing being done outside of the contest scene. The “surf world” you speak of is merely an image of the real thing. There is more to surfing then competition, a culture of “real” surfers that work for a living exists in america, blue collar and all.

    Response to #68 by john 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
72.

it was always dead if it wasnt for tom curren an kelly. and hawaiians are not americans. and james B is a fool, lack of patriotism is not the reason americans suck, winning a title is a matter of personal pride and ambition

by kelly slater 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
    73.

    69th

    Response to #72 by yay is gay 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
74.

69th

by yay 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
75.

WE WANT ROSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by the truth 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
76.

The Lane? Think JJ will win, it still feels new to him. But Slater is like Obama, he will win in the end, again.

by surfcheck 07 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
77.

Jake Patterson is terrible behind a mic or in front of a camera
Slater will win this year, because that is what he does. A whole
Generation of title less Surfers are testament to that. As for
National pride.. Why wouldn’t you be proud of where you’re from?
Unless you are American and you were fucking the rest of the world
Over and off..

by Goatboy 08 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (0)
78.

Slater overscored and im bored… retire already Slater… Dont even enjoy watching him surf anymore… He’s got the “almost” fall off but recover and make it look like a good wave and gets scored up for it… everyone else gets points taken off… rort.

by zzzzzzzz 08 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (2)
79.

Does that kiss remind anyone of Gustav Klimt or is it just me? Courtney’s the factory girl, and Dane is Warhol making a satirical statement about pro surfing through his genius in the ocean.

by HurricaneCroz 09 Oct 2012 Respond Report  (1)
80.

I won’t be able to see him today.Hold on.All for one

by Mulberry Bracelet 09 Dec 2012 Respond Report  (0)

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