'I'm indecisive': Kelly Slater hints at pro-surfing retirement

Surfing superstar Kelly Slater has acknowledged the rumours about his retirement from pro-surfing, but says he is yet to come to a final decision.

Slater is in Sydney for the Sydney Surf Pro at Manly, where he won his first heat on Wednesday.

The 47-year-old recorded a two-wave score of 11.27 to finish clear of Spain’s Vincente Romero (11.10) in the four-strong heat.

The veteran was coy on retirement plans after recently revealing he’d like a shot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where surfing makes its debut.

“It’s true that I’ve hinted at it (retirement),” he said.

“I’m just feeling it out to be honest, I’m a very indecisive person.

“I thought I’d better keep going until I burn out the battery entirely, and I can feel the moment coming.”

Slater, 47, missed a significant amount of time last season dealing with a foot injury, which limited him to just two events.

The 11-time world champion is back to full-fitness, even eyeing off the competition for he 202 Tokyo Olympics, where surfing will debut.

Slater faces a tough task to claim one of the two Olympic spots available for the US, with 2017 World Surf League champion John John Florence among his keenest rivals.

“A lot of people are exploring their roots to see if they can qualify for Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland,” Slater joked.

“I’m wondering if I could surf for Syria or Ireland or something.”

While happy to have won his heat Slater, sounded slightly disappointed the younger generation hadn’t yet forced him into retirement.

“I feel like a bit of a gatekeeper,” he said.

“You guys should be smoking me here and I’m still beating you. You should be putting me out to pasture.”

Slater next faces a third round heat against Brazilian duo Alex Ribeiro and Jesse Mendes plus Charly Quivront of France.