Sports

 

A spotlight on renowned surfer: Kelly Slater

By: Dallas West

WC: 437/400

Kelly Slater riding a wave in competition.

Photo courtesy of Herald Sun

           Summer is approaching and while that means most popular sports are taking a break, the season to surf is just beginning (on the East Coast). Renowned professional surfer, Kelly Slater,  born in Cocoa Beach, Florida, is still known as one of the greatest surfers of all time, even at age 42. He holds the title as a record-breaking eleven-time world champion (1992, 1994–98, 2005-2006, 2008, 2010-2011). According to the Encyclopedia of Surfing, he reinvented virtually every aspect of high-performance surfing. Jesse Evans, '15, has been following Slater since he was young. "One thing I really admire about him is that he's still going. He could've stopped after he proved himself with all of those 1st places, but he continues to compete and keeps proving himself. His determination is very admirable."
       Slater has a number of accomplishments ranging from owning a resort for anyone who enjoys surfing and the Kelly Slater Foundation which is to raise awareness on how people can contribute to keeping our oceans clean. He continues to surf to this day and shows no signs of stopping. At 42, he still maintains a CT rank of 13. He inspires many people whether they have a love for surfing or not. "I have always looked up to Kelly. He started surfing at my age and has done remarkable things with his career. I love to surf but I don't plan to ever try and go pro... It's just sick to see someone who was so young go from mediocre to the greatest surfer of all time," adds Evans.
          In 2015, Slater has placed 3rd in the Volcom Pipe Pro, 13th in the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, 9th in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, 5th in the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, 17th in the Oakley Lower's Pro, and 13th in the Oi Rio Pro (concludes May 22nd, 2015). He will continue to the Fiji Pro from June 7th-19th.
       When Slater began his career in professional surfing in 1989, he ranked 236th place. He then went on to rank 1st place five consecutive times but in total he has been crowned Association of Surfing Professionals' World Tour Champion 11 times; more times than any other surfer in the industry. In May of 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing Slater’s “outstanding and unprecedented achievements in the world of surfing and for being an ambassador of the sport and excellent role model."
       It is clear the impact Slater has had on the surfing industry and his fans will continue to support him and await what he will bring to the table next.