The 11-time WSL champion will not board the next charter flight to Australia due to an injury.

Kelly Slater will not board the World Surf League (WSL) charter flight to Australia on March 6 due to injury, and therefore will be unable to compete in the upcoming Championship Tour events in Australia. He is currently focused on his recovery and will be re-evaluated in 30 days and would be eligible to compete after receiving medical clearance.

"I've been battling recent and ongoing injuries to both ankles since the Pipe Masters event, and I had a separate injury to my right hip, culminating in a broken foot last week, which has left me unable to surf. It's tough for me because I love Australia so much and miss the time I usually spend there each year. I'll need to use the time to get myself physically back to a level I never really returned to after my foot injury at Jeffreys Bay in 2017 and get rid of the constant pain. Good luck to all my fellow competitors, and I hope to see everyone back on tour soon," Slater said.

Slater will be replaced by WSL first alternate Mikey Wright of Australia for the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup presented by Corona.

Source: WSL