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Kelly Slater’s 'Magical' 11th World Surfing Crown

Kelly Slater has clinched his 11th world surfing crown in his career which spans 20 years, telling onlookers at the event “something magical” happened.

Wednesday at Ocean Beach, the internationally renowned surfer was carried on the shoulders of friends after winning the championship title in the pro surfing tour.

“Something magical happened,” Slater said to the crowd of nearly 2,000 people gathered in California.

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The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship took place at the Bay Area beach which is notorious for its dangerous conditions – shifting currents, punishing surf, and sheer unpredictability.

Slater took to Twitter reacting to congratulations for the feat.

“Jeez… the messages are overwhelming… from all over the world. Lots of great humans sending kind words. Thank you all. #IFeelGood,” wrote the surfer.

The 29-year-old surfer is considered one of the best athletes in the world, whose global reputation has not ceased since his first world championship title in 1992. From 1992 to 1998, Slater claimed six ASP world titles, and four more from 2005 to 2010.

Wednesday’s competition fell on the one-year death anniversary of fellow competitive surfer Andy Irons. The three-time world champion surfer died from cardiac arrest after ingesting a mixture of drugs at his home in Hawaii Nov. 2, 2010.

Slater remembered Irons after claiming the title, saying, “I was just thinking that a lot of things have come together."

According to USA Today, Slater continued, "With this happening on the anniversary of Andy passing, it makes it more special. It’s a way to celebrate my memories of him."

Irons was considered among the best surfers in the world, and compared to Slater during surfing tours in 2002 to 2004.

“I feel blessed that we worked through the differences we had and I was able to learn what I’m made of because of Andy,” added Slater.

It is unclear how much longer Slater will compete in surfing tours, but the champion retweeted a quip from a fan: “@followthefishtv uh oh. I hear dinner bells at the retirement home…”

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