Kelly Slater – The Wave Master
“The GOAT – Greatest of All Time”
🌊 Basic Info
Full Name: Robert Kelly Slater
Nickname: Kelly, The GOAT
Born: February 11, 1972 – Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA
Nationality: American
Surfing Stance: Regular
Favorite Surf Spots: Pipeline (Hawaii), Teahupo’o (Tahiti), Cloudbreak (Fiji), Trestles (California)
🏆 Career Highlights
Championships & Titles:
11× World Surf League Champion (1992, 1994–1998, 2005–2006, 2008, 2010–2011)
Youngest (age 20) and oldest (age 39) male world champion
Notable Competitions:
Pipe Masters, Quiksilver Pro, Billabong Pro Tahiti, Fiji Pro, and countless others
Best Performances:
2005 Teahupo’o – near-perfect barrel-riding heat
2013 Fiji Pro – two perfect 10s, total domination in heavy reef surf
Signature Moves:
Flawless tube riding, fast and critical carves, explosive frontside airs
Pioneer of the Surf Ranch and innovator in both competitive and free surfing
🏄♂️ Surfing Style & Equipment
Board Preferences:
Rides custom shapes from Slater Designs (his own brand), mostly short, high-performance epoxy boards made in partnership with Firewire
Wetsuit & Gear:
Wears Outerknown apparel (his eco-conscious fashion line), often rides Firewire boards
Collaborates with FCS for fins and traction
Training & Fitness:
Follows a disciplined regimen with yoga, functional training, and plant-heavy nutrition
Practices breathwork and mindfulness
Wave Preferences:
Loves hollow reef breaks, heavy barrels, and mechanically perfect point waves
🌍 Life Beyond Surfing
Hobbies & Interests:
Golf fanatic, plays guitar and sings, enjoys chess, snowboarding, and jiu-jitsu
Social Causes:
Environmental warrior – co-founded Outerknown to push sustainable fashion
Works with organizations like Surfrider Foundation and Reef Check
Voices strong opinions on climate action and ocean health
Fun Facts:
Made appearances in Baywatch, The Ultimate Surfer, and surf documentaries
Owns the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch, the most advanced wave pool in the world
Had high-profile relationships with Gisele Bündchen and Pamela Anderson
🎥 Photos & Videos
Check out his best clips at Pipeline, Cloudbreak, and Surf Ranch on YouTube and IG reels
📢 Latest News & Updates (March 2025)
Kelly Slater is preparing for what may be his final full season on tour. The WSL has hinted at a special farewell ceremony at Pipeline and Bells this year.
He continues to innovate with new upgrades at Surf Ranch and is producing a Netflix documentary series chronicling his career.
Recently, Slater competed at the 2025 Pipe Masters, making it to the quarterfinals and drawing huge crowds.
He’s also teamed up with Patagonia and WSL PURE on a new global reef protection initiative.
