Crowds on the sand ran – cameras in hand – to get a glimpse of the world’s best professional surfer, nine-time world champion Kelly Slater.

Slater is back in Surf City this weekend to compete in the Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing, where he surfed years ago when he was still an up-and-coming surfer. The U.S. Open of Surfing was the first venue where he surfed in front of a big crowd.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve surfed Huntington,” he said. “I have a lot of good memories here.”

Slater nailed a score of 9.33 on lackluster waves, winning his heat late in the afternoon. The beach crowds who showed up on the sand got a closer then they may be able to get later this weekend when the crowds swell.

Fan Chantal Cloobeck shot photos on the sand as Slater was slashing through the surf.

“Oh my God, he’s a legend. Kelly Slater, everyone knows who he is,” she said. He’s super hot. And he’s talented.”

When asked why he decided to come back this year, he said he wanted to support friends Pat O’Connell and Bob Hurley, who he said has always supported him on a personal level. Hurley surfwear is the title sponsor of this year’s event, and has offered competitors a $100,000 purse.

When asked what he’d do with the big prize, he first said he’d put it in the bank. But after thinking about it for a second, he said his lease is up and he needs a new car.

Fan Andrew Wildermuth, 15, made sure to bust out his camera phone, and was nearly too excited to speak after getting so close to his idol.

“”He’s the greatest surfer there’s ever been,” he said. “He’s revolutionized modern surfing.”

Slater said the fan aspect of the U.S. Open of Surfing makes this contest different from where he usually surfs.

“In America, they don’t get to see us surf up close. I think it’s nice for all of us to have the chance to come surf here.”

> Click here for shots from Kelly’s heat - and of his beach clearing mob.

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