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ENGL 298

May 28, 2024

Kelly Slater: The Greatest We've Ever Seen

Kelly Slater Surfing a wave. Source: CN Traveler 

Kelly Slater is widely considered the greatest surfer of all time. He holds numerous records, with 11 world titles, 55 event victories, and the record for being both the youngest and oldest men’s world champion. His dominance in the world of competitive surfing is something that has never been seen before and will likely not be seen again for a very long time.

Slater,  as a kid. Source: Sports Illustrated 

Robert Kelly Slater was born on February 11, 1972, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Raised in a family with a deep connection to the ocean, Kelly's affinity for the water was apparent from a young age. His father, Stephen Slater, was a bait-and-tackle shop owner, and his mother, Judy Moriarity, worked as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. Living in a coastal town known for its surf culture, Kelly quickly gravitated to the sport. By age five he showed significant competence in the water and was winning competitions by age ten.

Slater in the water. Source: Impacting Our Future 

By 18, he became the youngest surfer to qualify for the world tour. His breakthrough came in 1992 when he won his first world title, becoming the youngest world champion in surfing history at the age of 20. This victory marked the beginning of an unprecedented era of dominance in professional surfing. Slater's style, characterized by fluid, powerful maneuvers allowed him to excel in diverse wave conditions at different breaks around the world.

Profile of Kelly Slater. Source: Outside Magazine 

Beyond his competitive achievements, Slater has made significant contributions through his approach to the sport. He has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of modern surfing, both in terms of technique and equipment.

Above close-up of Slater. Source: The Inertia 

One of Slater's most notable innovations is the creation of the Kelly Slater Wave Company, which developed the world's first artificial wave pool capable of producing perfect, high-quality waves suitable for professional competition and training. The Surf Ranch, located in Lemoore, California, has become a landmark in the surfing world. The ranch has since become a widely popular and desirable spot for surfing enthusiasts.

Kelly Slater's surf ranch in use. Source: Surf Park Central

Kelly Slater's impact on surfing extends far beyond his competitive record. He's inspired generations of surfers with his unparalleled skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.

Slater's legacy is also reflected in the numerous accolades and honors he has received throughout his career, including an induction into the Surfing Walk of Fame in Huntington Beach. His contributions to surfing have earned him a place among the greatest athletes of all time, transcending the sport to become a global icon.

Series shot of a backside turn. Source: Kelly Slater: For the Love

Kelly Slater's life is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, and creativity. From his humble beginnings in Cocoa Beach to his status as one of the greatest athletes that the sport has ever seen, Slater has left a deep and permanent mark on the world of surfing.

Kelly after winning Billabong Pro Pipeline 2022. Source: Kelly Slater: For the Love

Bibliography

Levenson, Eric. "Surfing Great Kelly Slater Wins Billabong Pro Pipeline Days Before His 50th Birthday." CNN, 6 Feb. 2022. https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/06/sport/kelly-slater-surfing/index.html

O'Mahony, Cian. "Profile of the World's Best Surfer Kelly Slater." Surfholidays, 8 years ago. https://www.surfholidays.com/blog/surfer-profile-kelly-slater

"Pro Surfer Kelly Slater on Protecting the World’s Oceans." Environmental Protection, photos courtesy of Todd Glasser. https://www.impactingourfuture.com/environmental-protection/pro-surfer-kelly-slater-on-protecting-the-worlds-oceans/

Roberts, Michael. "Why Kelly Slater is Still the World’s Greatest Surfer at 42: Examining the Perpetual Youth and Singular Talent of Surfing's King." Outside, originally published December 9, 2014, updated June 30, 2021. Photo by Spencer Murphy. https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/water-activities/why-kelly-slater-still-worlds-greatest-surfer-42/

Slater, Kelly, and Phil Jarratt. Kelly Slater: For the Love. Chronicle Books, 2008.

Mahanty, Shannon. "Kelly Slater on the Island that Stole His Heart and His Favorite Reef Break." The Guardian, 12 Nov. 2018. https://www.cntraveller.com/article/kelly-slater-interview