The 2005 Billabong Pro Tahiti was a perfect example of all the elements coming together. Teahupoo, one of the heaviest, most picturesque waves on the planet was pumping in front of its jungle mountain backdrop, and some of the best barrel riders the sport has seen - the likes of Kelly Slater, the Hobgoods and Andy Irons -- were in their prime.
It's showcased in this week's edition of WSL's The Vault series, so let's take a look at six reasons to get amped on this all-time event.
Kelly Locked In The First Perfect-20 Heat In WSL History
Slater won the event with the first ever perfect 20 heat total in WSL history. This set him up for a banner year in which he claimed his seventh World Title, a return to form after watching arch-rival Andy Irons win three World Titles in a row. Note that Shane Beschen scored a perfect 30 at Kirra in 1996, back when three scores were counted.
Kelly Slater - WSL / Karen Wilson
It Was Pumping Before And During The Event
Andy Irons was among the athletes who surfed maxing Teahupoo before the event kicked off. He snagged a few epic waves including this iconic shot, showcasing his inimitable no-hands barrel-riding ability.
Andy Irons - WSL / Karen Wilson
Jet Ski Mishaps
There were some close calls with jet skis. C.J. Hobgood slammed into one after careening out of the wave, while Raimana Van Bastolaer actually got barreled by a ski, which fell over the falls as he was riding the wave - a very close call which thankfully only resulted in the trashing of the wayward ski.
Raimana dodging the jet ski - WSL
The Hobgood Brothers Were Ripping
The Hobgood Brothers are two of the best barrel riders to grace the Championship Tour, and their prowess was on full display during this event. Damien made the final against Kelly, while C.J. Hobgood was knocked in the Quarter Finals by Slater, despite having a heat total of more than 18 points.
Damien Hobgood - WSL / Karen Wilson
Nathan Hedge Stormed Into The Semi Finals
Australian Nathan Hedge was returning to Teahupoo after dislocating his shoulder in the final the previous year. Despite the memory of this injury front of mind, he managed to surf all the way through to the Semi Finals.
Nathan Hedge - WSL / Karen Wilson
Kelly Slater Drank A Beer In The Barrel
Slater celebrated his impressive win by cracking a beer in the barrel at Teahupoo and drinking it on his way out of the tube -- one of the most impressive victory laps in sporting history.
Kelly Slater - WSL / Pierre Tostee
Six Reasons To Get Amped On The 2005 Billabong Pro Tahiti
Ben Collins
The 2005 Billabong Pro Tahiti was a perfect example of all the elements coming together. Teahupoo, one of the heaviest, most picturesque waves on the planet was pumping in front of its jungle mountain backdrop, and some of the best barrel riders the sport has seen - the likes of Kelly Slater, the Hobgoods and Andy Irons -- were in their prime.
It's showcased in this week's edition of WSL's The Vault series, so let's take a look at six reasons to get amped on this all-time event.
Kelly Locked In The First Perfect-20 Heat In WSL History
Slater won the event with the first ever perfect 20 heat total in WSL history. This set him up for a banner year in which he claimed his seventh World Title, a return to form after watching arch-rival Andy Irons win three World Titles in a row. Note that Shane Beschen scored a perfect 30 at Kirra in 1996, back when three scores were counted.
It Was Pumping Before And During The Event
Andy Irons was among the athletes who surfed maxing Teahupoo before the event kicked off. He snagged a few epic waves including this iconic shot, showcasing his inimitable no-hands barrel-riding ability.
Jet Ski Mishaps
There were some close calls with jet skis. C.J. Hobgood slammed into one after careening out of the wave, while Raimana Van Bastolaer actually got barreled by a ski, which fell over the falls as he was riding the wave - a very close call which thankfully only resulted in the trashing of the wayward ski.
The Hobgood Brothers Were Ripping
The Hobgood Brothers are two of the best barrel riders to grace the Championship Tour, and their prowess was on full display during this event. Damien made the final against Kelly, while C.J. Hobgood was knocked in the Quarter Finals by Slater, despite having a heat total of more than 18 points.
Nathan Hedge Stormed Into The Semi Finals
Australian Nathan Hedge was returning to Teahupoo after dislocating his shoulder in the final the previous year. Despite the memory of this injury front of mind, he managed to surf all the way through to the Semi Finals.
Kelly Slater Drank A Beer In The Barrel
Slater celebrated his impressive win by cracking a beer in the barrel at Teahupoo and drinking it on his way out of the tube -- one of the most impressive victory laps in sporting history.
Andy Irons
Rewind and relive this iconic year at Jeffreys Bay where Andy Irons and Kelly Slater battle it out in the final with firing conditions.
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Peter "Joli" Wilson explains just what made the 2005 Billabong Pro Tahiti such a special moment in surfing history.
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