Even if you don’t know anything about surfing, you’ve likely heard of Kelly Slater. The 45-year-old has been ranked No. 1 by the World Surf League 11 times and is arguably the best surfer of all-time. But holy crap — this recent run by a guy named Filipe Toledo is incredible.
The J-Bay Open in South Africa was postponed earlier this week due to sharks (because, of course). But when surfing resumed the next day, Toledo put on a complete clinic, notching a perfect 10 with a run that included two insanely massive airs.
Tem nota 11? / Does the scale go up to 11? @toledo_filipe #Perfect10 #CoronaOpenJbay Rd 4, Heat 3 https://t.co/rJ0dLqmovs pic.twitter.com/EmIogopIYQ
— World Surf League (@wsl) July 19, 2017
With two airs like that, this was the reaction from the surfing community, as expected.
@toledo_filipe TWO AIRS!! ONE WAVE!! A TEN!! Wow, phenomenal!! #JBayOpen pic.twitter.com/I4v5zhAcBQ
— Mr. Michael (@Mr_JkyllHyd) July 19, 2017
Toledo lost in the quarterfinals to Australia’s Mick Fanning, who won the whole shabang after having to be rescued because of a nearby great white shark (because, of course). It’s the same event Fanning punched a shark in the face just two years ago.
As for Slater, he shattered his foot.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of Crave Sports.
Photo: Getty