Since the Surf Ranch Pro came and went, the surfing world has been in shambles. The WSL controversy began at the Surf Ranch of legend Kelly Slater and led to a domino effect. After that event, the surfing community is unhappy with the organization, and it seems like the controversies just keep coming. A big surprise came in the form of Erik Logan exiting as the CEO of the World Surf League in a sudden manner. One day he was there, and the next, poof!

Logan was at the heart of many dissensions that rocked WSL. After this unexpected exit of the former CEO, there have been many speculations about who is going to fill in the position next. WSL has not announced the successor of Erik Logan, and the surfing world is in anticipation. Who is going to be the next CEO? Will it be Kelly Slater? He does not think so.

Kelly Slater is not looking for a new job

The 11-time world champion has been in the competitive surfing scene since the 1980s. During a career spanning more than three decades, Kelly Slater has been around the world for surfing expeditions. Be it free surfing or competitive surfing, ‘The King’ of the sport has always had his hand on the vein of the sport. Therefore, it is only logical that the community would consider him a suitable candidate to be the next WSL CEO.

This speculation becomes even more sensible as Slater’s retirement might be near, though one can never be too sure about that. However, Kelly Slater recently made clear that holding this particular office is not something he desires. His rejection of the idea was pretty vocal, leaving no doubt about his mindset. During an interview with ZIGZAG magazine out of South Africa during the Corona Open J-Bay, Kelly Slater was asked the question, “So, Kelly, WSL CEO?” To this, the surfing icon’s unequivocal response was, “No man, I have no interest in that.”

Read more: “Hated the Guy”: American Surfer Shares Candid Opinion on Departure of WSL CEO Erik Logan Amidst Controversies

The World Champion also added, “I’ll write my ideas down and they can have them, but I don’t want a job.” Since Erik Logan abruptly left the organization, there has been wild conjecture about who is going to be his successor. According to sources, all the industry staples, including Kelly Slater, Bob Hurley, and Pat O’Connell have been named as potential candidates. However, no official announcement has been made by WSL, the entity at the heart of this entire contention since the beginning.

WSL submerged in controversy, the plot thickens

The surfing world has been busy the past few months. The World Championship Tour is in full swing. The J-Bay just came and went, and even that event was shrouded in complaints from the fans regarding the same old thing. WSL needs to revamp its scoring system. Well, it seems like that is not the only thing WSL needs to look into. Till now, the organization has been conspicuously silent on its next move to name the successor. However, fans have not been this silent. The rumor mill has been working day and night to name the next CEO.

Kelly Slater was a popular choice, however, he has taken himself out of consideration for the role. Bob Hurley has been named the next best choice and seems like a smart one. He is a business-savvy individual who has helmed the success of four companies. Barton Lynch, the Australian surfer, and critic, has also been named as a choice. However, this is just a postulation by the community, who is eagerly waiting to know the name of the next CEO, especially after Kelly Slater outrightly refused to become one.

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