Bells: Slater Officially Out, February In

In a move that many saw coming, Kelly Slater has officially withdrawn from next week’s Rip Curl Pro Bells due to his lingering foot injury. “I think it’s best that I properly rehabilitate the injury and choose to surf wholeheartedly. I’ll be back when the time is right,” Slater told the WSL.

Replacing Slater will be wildcard Michael February, who, after being forced to sit out of Round 1 at the Quiksilver Pro (on account of Slater’s indecision and a clearly defined WSL Rule), defeated ex-Snapper champion Matt Wilkinson in Round 2 and then lost to eventual contest winner Julian Wilson in Round 3. Regardless of when Kelly returns, February will be eligible to compete throughout the remainder of the 2018 Championship Tour season due to Mick Fanning’s retirement post-Bells. 

Below are some of Slater’s career highlights from The Bowl, including his miracle rotation in 2012, a receipt of spicy turns from the WSL Instagram, and his unfortunate loss to Willian Cardoso in 2011. Oh how we’ll miss!

See you in Torquay…