1996. The rivalry reached fever pitch at the opening horn of the US Open final. Surf historians are spilt down the middle: Was Kelly Slater's paddle around interference the greatest tactical move ever, or did he do Shane Bexchen dirty? Drop your opinion in the comments.
They were locked into a world title race against each other, and to call this merely a rivalry would be a major understatement. It is in fact the greatest rivalry ever because besides the title races and highest heat total records, the rivalry started when they were both just 11 years old.
At the Billabong Pro at Kirra, Beschen broke Slater's ASP record for highest heat total of 29 with three perfect tens for a perfect heat total of 30 points.
So going into the U.S. open at Huntington Beach, Slater was feeling the heat and was ready to take down Beschen by any means necessary.

Music: "Skin Of My Teeth" Melbourne Band

#realsurfstories #greatestsurfingrivalries #usopenofsurfing

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