Surfing legend Kelly Slater has started his season in style by winning his opening heat at the Sydney Surf Pro off Manly.
A light drizzle and sleepy morning surf failed to deter crowds lining the shore for a glimpse of the 11-time world champion, who returned to competition after a foot injury limited him to just two events in 2018.
The 47-year-old recorded a two-wave score of 11.27 to finish clear of Spain's Vincente Romero (11.10) in the four-strong heat.
Slater was rapt to be back competing on the circuit after a frustrating 18 months.
"It's good to jump into a qualifying event prior to jumping back on tour," he said.
The veteran was coy on retirement plans after recently revealing he'd like a shot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where surfing makes its debut.
"It's true that I've hinted at it (retirement)," he said.
"I'm just feeling it out to be honest, I'm a very indecisive person.
"I thought I'd better keep going until I burn out the battery entirely, and I can feel the moment coming."
Slater faces a tough task to claim one of the two Olympic spots available for the US, with 2017 World Surf League champion John John Florence among his keenest rivals.
"A lot of people are exploring their roots to see if they can qualify for Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland," Slater joked.
"I'm wondering if I could surf for Syria or Ireland or something."
While happy to have won his heat Slater, sounded slightly disappointed the younger generation hadn't yet forced him into retirement.
"I feel like a bit of a gatekeeper," he said.
"You guys should be smoking me here and I'm still beating you. You should be putting me out to pasture."
Slater next faces a third round heat against Brazilian duo Alex Ribeiro and Jesse Mendes plus Charly Quivront of France.
