Kelly Slater Spotted Surfing After Hip Injury Withdraw from Portugal (Video)

Finally, it seems, father time is catching up to Kelly Slater.

Back in September of last year, the 52-year-old 11x surfing world champion had hip surgery, which drydocked him from the water during the off-season.

Now, competition is in full-swing; but that hip might still be giving him trouble.

Or…is Slater just having a bit of senioritis?

Just last week, Slater withdrew from the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal, citing ongoing issues with his hip. Reposting a clip announcing his withdrawal, Slater wrote:

"Still dealing with hip recovery and still in pain with basic mobility. Thanks for the messages from the Portuguese fans and apologies I won't be seeing you in Supertubos. Hoping to feel better for Bells (the first event I surfed as a full-time tour surfer in 1992). Fingers crossed @wsl scores some good waves in Portugal and good luck to everyone."

Related: Kelly Slater Says Hip Not 100% After Surgery: ‘I Shouldn’t Even Be in the Water.’ (Video)

But then…Slater was spotted on the Gold Coast, Australia…and the hip didn’t appear to be an issue at all. He laid down a searing, torso-contorting hack that would make anyone – let alone someone still dealing a serious surgery – spasm, cramp, or worse.

All to say, it looks like Slater wasn’t feeling Supertubos, but instead, he’s scoring elsewhere. It’s not the first time we’ve seen the GOAT pull this.

In the events leading up to his Portugal withdrawal, then Aussie vacation, Slater talked about his hip and his dwindling drive for competition as a whole:

Related: Kelly Slater Hints at Pro Surfing Retirement: 'I Am Questioning Competing'

“I got to figure out if this hip’s good enough to compete in waves that I’ve got to [do] turn[s] and stuff. But, you know, [at Pipeline] we’re not doing turns. We’re just getting barreled and going straight.” – The Lexus Pipe Pro

“I am questioning competing to be honest with you” Slater said. “My confidence isn’t super high. I’ve probably surfed four sessions since [the Lexus] Pipe [Pro]. And I haven’t surfed in about something like five or six days. I just haven’t been practiced up. It doesn’t help the confidence. But I felt fine out there.” – Hurley Pro Sunset Beach

Could this be the beginning of the end for Slater? Don’t hold your breath.

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