
Kelly Slater was forced to scramble to avoid a first-round elimination at the Gold Coast Pro while Julian Wilson impressed in his return and Steph Gilmore was narrowly denied a perfect 10.
Eleven-time world champion Slater's casual appearance at the second-tier Challenger Series event ensured the beach was packed on Sunday at the Snapper Rocks point break that is no longer part of the World Surf League's top tour.