11-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater often reflects on the one surfer who ignited his passion for the sport—Todd Chesser, a larger-than-life figure in the surfing world. Chesser was no stranger to danger, having faced down some of the ocean’s fiercest waves with grit and skill. In 1994, he got caught in a 20-foot wave and nearly drowned at the North Shore of the Oahu Surf Break.

But luck was on his side and with perfect technique, Chesser came out smiling and beaming amidst the burning sun. Unfortunately, it was not a lucky day for Chesser three years later, on February 13. On February 13, 1997, Chesser attempted to ride a towering 25-foot wave at Alligator Rock. This time, the ocean’s pull was too strong.

Despite the desperate efforts of his friends, Cody Graham and Aaron Lambert, tragedy struck as Chesser drowned. His body was discovered near Waimea Bay, unconscious. Rushed to Wahiawa Hospital, Chesser was pronounced dead, leaving the surfing community in shock. The loss was even more heartbreaking as Chesser had been just months away from marrying his fiancée, Janet Rollins, with their wedding date set for August 2, 1997.

Kelly Slater, now a legend in his own right, often finds his thoughts drifting back to his hero, Todd Chesser. Chesser, who was a part of Momentum Generation, remains etched in history as a North Shore surf legend. In one of the most tragic outcomes, Chesser drowned at the Alligator Rock on February 13, 1997. Touted as the ‘greatest non-rated surfer in the world’, Chesser’s legacy still continues to inspire a whole generation of upcoming surfers.

Awed by Chesser’s ability to fearlessly go after big waves, Slater slowly gained courage until he became a master of the sport. And after so many years have passed, Kelly Slater still does not forget his friend from Momentum Generation. Taking to his Instagram story, the modern-day surfing legend posted a heartwarming tribute to Todd Chesser. Posting a clip that highlights Chesser’s impeccable ability to ride the swelling waves, Slater wrote, “Some clips of our brother who was gone too soon. I still feel like Chesser is as present a part of our group of friends is today as he ever was.”

Chesser’s story began in Hawaii, where he moved at just three years old in 1971 after a family tragedy. Following the loss of his father in a Florida accident, his mother, Jeannie, sought a fresh start on the islands. It turns out that Todd inherited his passion for the sport from his mother, a surfing icon in her own right. Jeannie Chesser is one of the most decorated female surfers in the U.S., with several world and national titles to her name. So it’s no mystery where Todd got his surfing genes from.

Kelly Slater mourns the ‘irreplaceable void’ of Todd Chesser

Trying his luck in professional surfing, Todd gained temporary success. Participating in the 1990 Professional Surfing Association of America Tour, Todd ended up in the fourth position. Quite an impressive achievement for a rookie. But the call of the big waves made Chesser drop competitive surfing and take the plunge into the swelling waves. Over the years, Todd created his own style of surfing that heavily influenced the likes of Ross Williams, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, and of course, Kelly Slater. And it is for this reason that Kelly Slater continues to reminisce about his old friend who left the world in a jiffy. 

Todd Chesser was featured as one of the icons in the 1992 Taylor Steele movie, ‘Momentum’. Featuring alongside him was the 11x World Champion, Kelly Slater. Turning back to the golden chapters, Slater recollected the heart of gold that Chesser had. He said, “Todd was a true, one-of-a-kind human and friend. We are all left with an irreplaceable void but so many fun times,” Kelly Slater notes.

“If you had a chance to meet Todd or watch him surf giant Off-The-Wall by himself or paddle out solo to an outer reef, you know what kind of guy he was.” Slater further doubled down on how Chesser was always in charge and urged the old-school chargers to up their game. Thus, despite leaving ‘too soon’, Todd Chesser still remains one of the legendary surfers that ever tamed the giant waves.