Slater's speed floater blew him past this section and Ben Dunn. Photo: ASP/Kelly Cestari via Getty Images

Reigning world champion Kelly Slater made the most of his surprise visit to Brazil today, by ripping his way into the Final, where he defeated Adriano De Souza. "I thought I was surfing against Pele or something," Kelly said on the winners podium, acknowledging the huge local crowd who was pulling for Adriano. "I felt like the crowd was with me right up until the final heat. But you guys have always been very good to me and I want to thank you." On the way to the final, Slater defeated Tom Whitaker, Taj Burrow, and CJ Hobgood, looking very impressive the entire time.

While Kelly did gain ground on Joel Parkinson, the current tour leader, Parko didn't give up much ground as he still managed to finish with a solid 3rd Place finish. Nevertheless, should Slater return to form things could get a bit more interesting this year. Slater traveled to Brazil with nine surfboards in his bags, keeping his options open. In the first round, however, he had to work with borrowed equipment as his boards failed to show up in the baggage claim. When they finally arrived, Slater was busy trying everything, from a four fin, to a 5' 9" epoxy thruster copied off of the board he dominated the Australian leg on last year. And in the final day, it looked like he was on the same board he won Lower's on last year.

"I definitely feel like I sharpen as the event moves into the later rounds,' Slater said. ' I started out pretty slow in Brazil, and I wasn't even planning on coming initially. I rode borrowed boards, ones that I shaped, epoxies, everything and I definitely think I found my formula today. I actually called my girlfriend before the Final and said, "every time I show up to an event after trying to pull out, I win." I guess that held true today. I have less pressure on myself and am free to perform to the best of my abilities." Slater's win ended the worst slump of his career, and even though he has a huge mountain to climb if he's to capture his 10th world title, he's happy playing the long odds.

"I feel like I have all those guys (ASP World Title contenders) right where I want them," Slater said. "I don't feel like I have any pressure on me, and I tend to do my best when I have no pressure. We're coming up on Jeffreys Bay, which is probably my best event historically and hopefully I can build off my result here today."

For De Souza, the Final was a dream come true. "When I was a little kid I used to come to the event and dream of competing here," De Souza said. "To be here today, in front of all my friends and family, competing against my hero in the Final, is a very special moment for me and one I will remember for the rest of my life."


Results of the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro
1. Kelly Slater
2. Adriano De Souza
3. Joel Parkinson, CJ Hobgood
5. Bede Durbidge, Taj Burrow, Dustin Barca, Mick Fanning