Surfing Legends Serenade Kelly Slater for His Shocking Wildcard Entry at Tahiti Pro

Kelly Slater remains one of the most decorated surfers in the history of the sport. Recently, the 11-time WSL champion made a wildcard comeback into the Tahiti Pro 2024 competition, thereby retreading his steps into the Teahupo’o waters, one of his most special surf lines. Amidst speculations of his retirement, the 52-year-old’s participation in this event caused quite a stir amongst his fans.

But it seems that the reactions to his Tahiti showdown have reached fever pitch, as even surfing luminaries are now gushing over his performance. Two of the surf world’s former champs, Shane Dorian and Jeremy Flores, have taken to their social media, enthusiastically praising Slater’s aquatic masterwork.

Kelly Slater, the hands-down surfing genius, receives welcome initiation messages

To begin with, Slater has re-posted one of Shane Dorian’s recent Instagram stories featuring himself, Kelly, and Ross Williams on a boat, probably captured after Slater worked his magic in the water. Slater won against the phenom Ramzi Boukhiam in the competition. Shane Dorian hails the man’s sheer skill, fitness, technique, and more importantly, his spirit for entering the event. ‘So rad to see Kelly competing and surfing at such a crazy technical level in heavy conditions!!’ wrote the man as he applauded his buddy.

Another pat on the back for Slater came in from Jeremy Flores, who added the World Surf League’s post to his story, showing Slater’s last-minute stroke of pulling a 4.73 in the final 20 seconds. Bedazzled, the only words that Flores had for this wonder were, ‘Incredible brother.’ But as the G.O.A.T re-posted his story, he had more than a few words of appreciation for Jeremy. In his whole-souled reply, Kelly wrote, ‘@floresjeremy has set the bar at Teahupo’o on plenty of big days before. Thanks Jezza!’

As both Dorian and Jeremy rightly applaud, cutting through tidal ebbs and flows like a pro, Kelly Slater makes enduring even the intense waters of Teahupo’o look like a piece of cake. Only a few days ago he had mentioned that this surf line is packed with ‘so much intensity.‘ He had called it one that still had the ‘element of danger,’ and thus as the eminent surfers agree, it is no small feat that Kelly has just pulled. Moreover, Dorian and Jeremy back Slater’s assiduous effort despite his elimination, which flawlessly exemplifies their camaraderie.

Jeremy and Dorian- Slater are two peas in a pod

More than professional contemporaries, Shane Dorian and Kelly have been bona fide surfing buddies. Right from vacationing together in 2016 to embarking upon a surf trip to Fiji, wishing each other their birthdays through social media, or ‘Uncle Kelly’ taking surf sessions with Dorian’s son, the two go way back in time. Beyond their personal equations, the two have also had one-on-one professional clashes, a recent one being the 2022 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Championships. But regardless of the results, the two have a solid friendship, one that has survived the tides of time. And Dorian’s gesture to take a bow for Slater’s recent Tahiti Pro 2024 performance is a testament to that.

Similarly, Jeremy Flores’ history with Slater has been equally momentous. Portraying the same, Jeremy’s recent Instagram post allows us to leaf over their pictures, each exhibiting varied emotions, occasions, and memories of the two. Besides, Flores’s caption hits straight to the heart. Calling Slater his ‘good friend, brother,’ Jeremy thanks the legend for inspiring him both in and outside the water. Giving a personal anecdote, he even describes Slater as the icon he wished to emulate and that Flores developed a fascination for surfing through him. Further tagging Slater and his partner Kalani, Flores wishes the best for the two. Evidently, these surfers have spent a large chunk of their lives with each other and do not miss out on rooting for each other, be it rain or shine. What do you think of their friendship?