WSL Surfers Close-Up at the 2015 Hurley Pro at Trestles

Unlike most other major sports, in which it's hard for fans to get close to their favorite athletes, professional surfing lets its fans literally stand next to their favorite surfers.  Okay, in most cases, you're standing there and surfers run by you, but still you get to see them close up.  Here's a few surfers I got close to at the 2015 Hurley Pro at Trestles.

2013 Billabong Pipe Masters Finals: Kelly Slater vs John John Florence

Well, if you're going to catch a finals match-up at an ASP (now WSL) Championship Tour Event, it might as well be a memorable one.  The finals at the 2013 Billabong Pipe Masters pitted surf legend, 11-time world champion, mid-forties Kelly Slater against the young gun, expected future legend, and early twenties John John Florence.  I managed to record Slater's best two waves, but I only got one of Florence's.

Late Round Surf Action at the 2013 Billabong Pipe Masters

Here's some videos from the early rounds of the 2013 Billabong Pipe Masters.

Early Round Surf Action at the 2013 Billabong Pipe Masters

Here's some more videos from the early rounds of the 2013 Billabong Pipe Masters.

Kelly Slater Finds a Barrel at the 2012 Van World Cup of Surfing

At my first ASP World Champion Tour Event, the 2012 Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, North Shore Oahu, I got the chance to see 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater for the first time.

Though known as a complete surfer, he is perhaps most respected for his tube riding skills.

Sunset Beach is not really known for its barrels, but Slater managed to find a small one that day.  I was really impressed with his effort to keep his ride going, as you can see from the video.

Kelly Slater Exits the Water--2012 World Cup of Surfing

Here's a few photos of Kelly Slater exiting the water after finishing up a heat during the 2012 Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach.  I didn't have a good enough camera with a strong lens to snap any action shots, so these were better than nothing.