Surf champion Kelly Slater saves mother, child from freak wave

Kelly Slater isn't only an 11-time world surf champion, he's also a hero.

Slater rescued Sarah White and her 22-month old son, Van, after they were swallowed by a huge wave while walking along a Hawaii footpath.

White's husband, Chris, took to Instagram with a message for Slater:

So thankful the surf gods denied @kellyslater today cos for whatever reason he was right there to save my wife and kid who were swept across a road by a freak wave today. Forever grateful to the great man and so thankful my family is alive and safe 👊🏼 ❤️💙 Thanks to all the lifeguards too who saved many lives today.