The surfing legend,who will turn 50 on February 11,received the warmest of welcomes from supporters on the shore with fellow competitors putting Slater on their shoulders after this historic win.

Choking back tears during his acceptance speech,Slater also spoke about his history with the famous spot in Hawaii which he has been surfing at since a child.

“I’ve worked my life at this wave,” he said. “Since I was 12 years old. I first got out here and got my ass kicked at back door by about a two-foot wave got pinned on the bottom. I paddled back to Ehukai[Beach Park] and I was like man,I love this place.”

Slater almost missed out on the finals after a tough quarter-final,but managed to catch a wave with just four seconds left in his heat to progress to the semis.

The win puts Slater on the path for a 12th world title,but it may be hindered due to the Californian’s reluctance to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Australian officials have already declared Slater will not be given special exemptions to compete at Bells Beach and Margaret River in April and May.

Tyler Wright is set to compete in the women’s semi-finals at Pipeline on Monday after a delay to the competition due to conditions.

News,results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday.Sign up for our Sport newsletter.