Slater finally breaks Curren's record

World champion Kelly Slater broke a year-long drought to break Tom Curren's record and beat Pancho Sullivan in the final of the Boost Mobile Pro in California.

Despite admitting to being 'bummed' for not making the most of his waves, Slater did enough to win his 34rd career title on the elite tour, eclipsing the previous mark set by Curren 16 years ago.

To say it was a long time coming for Slater would be an understatement, as he equalled Curren's tally 16 months ago at Bells Beach.

"Part of me is kind of sad," Slater said after his victory at Lower Trestles. "I was hoping Tom and I would end up on the same number forever, but somebody is bound to come along and get to where I got."

"You've got to surf to the standards, but someone else is always going to be coming along that has the time and desire."

The win lifts Slater to second in the world rankings and moves him within 230 points of Australian Mick Fanning.

Sullivan, of Hawaii, climbed eight places to No.8 following his effort to finish second.