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RIO DE JANEIRO, RIO – MAY 12: Kelly Slater of the United States of America surfs during his Round 1 heat at the Oi Rio Pro on May 12, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Daniel Smorigo/World Surf League via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-473055354.jpg?width=600)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, RIO – MAY 12: Kelly Slater of the United States of America surfs during his Round 1 heat at the Oi Rio Pro on May 12, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Daniel Smorigo/World Surf League via Getty Images)
Kelly Slater is one of the legendary surfers from the United States of America. Slater has almost won every major award in surfing, including his record 11 world titles. Slater also holds the record of being the youngest and the oldest surfer in sporting history. For his brilliant achievements in the sport, Slater is known as one of the greatest bodybuilders ever.
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Despite all this, many believe Slater does not fall under stereotypical surfer terms or behaviors. However, the legendary surfer had different views on these stereotypes and once expressed his opinions.
Kelly Slater is not your stereotypical surfer
In 2009, Slater had featured on the ‘NPR show – Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!’ During the episode, the surfer candidly talked about surfing, goals, and life beyond the beach.
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: Kelly Slater of the United States rides a wave into shore during the Boost Bondi Beach SurfSho at Bondi Beach on March 14, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
However, just two minutes into the episode host interrupted Slater. According to him, Slater did not seem to be a stereotypical surfer as he hadn’t said the word “dude” even once. However, Kelly laughed at his statement and stated, “Well, the stereotypical surfer doesn’t talk like the stereotypical surfer usually.”
Both hosts and the audience present at the show were taken aback by Slater’s confession, as the surfer seemed to have broken a myth. The legendary surfer added, “I do say dude, but I say it like you know, but I am probably trying not to cuss on your show, but around the right front, I would, you know.”
Slater also stated that off-the-shore, Slater might not use any surfing terms, but he might do with his fellow surfers. “It’s really the environment that creates that, you know,” confessed the surfer. Although Slater does not use the word “dude” often, he is still a “cool” person to hang out with.
At that time, Slater was preparing for his 10th world title, talked about his future endeavors, and created a record on the show. A year later, Slater made history at the 2010 Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico, claiming his 10th world title.
Slater’s life outside surfing
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Other than being one of the top surfers in the world, Slater is also famous for his work outside the beach. The oldest surfer, who is also a musician, has also been featured in many music videos. Slater can play instruments like the guitar and ukulele.
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ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 01: Kelly Slater is pictured during the third round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Kingsbarns, on October 01, 2022, in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
The renowned surfer has also performed with well-known musicians Jack Johnson and Angus Stone. Besides this Slater has also appeared on the famous TV series “Baywatch” where he played the role of Jimmy Slade. Slater, who is naturally close to the beach, is also an environmentalist and advocates sustainable and clean living.
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For this noble cause, Slater also has his foundation named, The Kelly Slater Foundation, which helps to generate funds for social and environmentally-conscious charities.
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