The World Surf League 2024 Championship Tour season at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI in Hawaii has kicked off with an exhilarating start at the Banzai Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii. The opening round of the epic competition saw surfing legends like Gabriel Medina, Kelly Slater, and John John Florence showcase their skills.

However, amidst the thrilling performances, there was unsettling news for the reigning back-to-back world champion, Filipe Toledo, who faced a challenging start at the Pipeline Pro. And now, as the season continues, the focus has also shifted to 11-time WSL champ Kelly Slater, who is making waves.

Surfing champion Filipe Toledo makes an upset

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Filipe Toledo, the reigning back-to-back world champion, had a challenging start at the Pipeline Pro. Toledo struggled in his round one heat, waiting nearly 25 minutes for his first wave, which scored low (0.50). His follow-up wave earned a score of 1.27, leading to relegation to the elimination round. Following this, Toledo withdrew from the competition due to food poisoning after his elimination round heat. Since he withdrew, there have been questions about Toledo’s commitment to big surf, especially in heavy conditions.

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Enthusiasts noted Toledo’s hesitation and suggested he needs to overcome the fear factor in such conditions. In response to the critics, Filipe Toledo responded on Instagram, stating, “To the critics on duty, and the world champions who comment on social media, believe what you want, I’m not here to prove anything to you!” He continued, “My health is my priority! To those cheering me on, thank you very much! We are together haha we will be back better and stronger!” As fans hope to see Filipe Toledo back in action, the focus also shifts to veteran Kelly Slater, who made waves in Oahu.

Kelly Slater in the spotlight at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI

At the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, the opening day saw an epic display from both rookies and veterans who navigated through six-to-eight-foot waves, showing off their skills. Gabriel Medina, the three-time champion, started strong with an 8.33 score for an epic ride on a left wave. Callum Robson from Australia pulled off an impressive 9-point ride with a deep barrel, taking control of his heat. Kelly Slater, the iconic 11-time world champion, faced off against Jack Robinson in Heat 3 of the Men’s Opening Round, earning 11.67 points.

While Slater had an impressive score, Jack Robinson (AUS) scored 12.27 points, winning the heat and advancing to the next round, while Rio Waida (INA) scored 1.70 points and was sent to the elimination round.

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Looking ahead, The Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Men’s Round of 32 Matchups between surfers from different parts of the world will feature Kelly Slater facing off against Ethan Ewing from Australia, promising another thrilling chapter in the 2024 surf season.

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