The wave demigod, Kelly Slater, has experienced numerous terrifying experiences within the surfing [https://www.essentiallysports.com/category/surfing/] arena. However, the 11x world surf league champion once encountered rather a heart-wrenching episode outside his field of sport. In 1990, when Slater was touring around the world for participating in various surfing championships, he once experienced in-flight turbulence, which accounts for one of the scariest flights the surfer has ever been to. KELLY SLATER’S SCARIEST AIRCRAFT JOURNEY A couple of years back, Kelly Slater appeared in an interview with Men’s journal [https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/interview-kelly-slater-talks-magic-boards-the-world-tour-and-more/], where he profoundly chatted with the host about his world tours and championships. At one point, the host asked the surfer about the scariest flight he has ever been on. Slater’s horrific experience dates way back to when he was just 18 and was already winning hearts around the globe. Reminiscing about his 1990 ISA World Surfing Championship, Kelly answered, “Landing in Miyazaki in 1990 for the World Amateur Champs”, was a frightening experience. Explaining the turbulence, Slater further added, “There was a typhoon and heavy winds”. As per Slater’s revelations, the aircraft has a camera installed on its sole, which was showing the live footage to the passengers. Hence, because of the turbulence, “the plane showing the live landing and the plane came down, front wheel first”, recalled the 50-year-old. Mourning Sad Demise of 40-Year-Old BJJ Star [https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sport-snews-surfing-news-ufc-mma-news-he-was-a-beast-surfing-icon-kelly-slater-joins-millions-in-mourning-sad-demise-of-40-year-old-bjj-star/] Moreover, as soon as the plane landed, the camera went shut. On which, the surfer cited, “I thought we had a crash landing on our hands”. Clearly, the then-18-year-old Kelly Slater’s turbulent flight journey became one of the scariest air rides of his life. Kelly Slater [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-473055354-1.jpg]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) Interestingly, the 1990 World Amateur Championship turned out to be the stepping stone of Kelly’s career. After the championship, Slater became a surfing pro at the young age of 18. The turbulent flight might have terrified the young Slater, but it proved to be the source of his destination. Watch this story – A Huge Shock for Surfing Fans Before Vans Pipeline and John John Florence [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/us-sports-news-a-huge-shock-for-surfing-fans-before-vans-pipeline-from-kelly-slater-and-john-john-florence/]

The 11x world surf league champion, Kelly Slater once recalled the most scariest
aircraft journey he has ever been to.

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“I Thought We Had a Crash Landing”: 11x WSL Champ Kelly Slater Had a
Nerve-Wrecking Moment Right Before World Surfing Championships in 1990

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Problem Persists for the Orange Men

When put simply, surfing is the act of standing up on a specially designed-board and riding a wave. The choice of construction of the board varies from level of experience to personal preference. It is an exhilarating water sport that seems pretty straightforward but is far from one. From different kinds of surfboards to events to even particular kinds of waves, each factor changes the face of the game in an instant. In the early days, surfing was done exclusively in the ocean but now also happens in the US Great Lakes, The Mediterranean Sea, and even artificial wave pools.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1401608" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/surfingwipeouts.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="500" />
<h2>History of Surfing</h2>
Famously dubbed 'the sport of Kings,' Surfing originated in Hawaii. The island's royalty and commoners practiced the sport as a recreational activity in the early 20th century. Touring surfers took the sport with them back to countries like the US and Australia, where it transformed into a global phenomenon. In 1976, a World Surfing Tour was founded, which is now called the World Surf League (WSL). Surfing has now grown into a multi-billion dollar industry and is governed by the International Surfing Association, representing 55 nations across the planet.
<h2>The four kinds of Surfboards</h2>
There are majorly four different kinds of surfboard that a surfer can choose from. Ranging from a short one to a long one, every surfer chooses these based on personal preference and expertise. But amateur surfers are advised to start with the longest possible board.

Here is the breakdown of every board:

<strong>1. Shortboard:</strong> Is a six and a half feet or shorter board. Has little volume and three fins attached to the bottom. It is specifically designed for high-performance surfing.

<strong>2. Mini Mal, Mini Tanker, Funboard, Fish, Egg, Bonzer:</strong> These boards make up the rest of the shorter-side boards. While varying between five and eight feet, these boards have more volume than a shortboard.

<strong>3. Gun:</strong> A seven to nine feet board designed for surfing on large waves.

<strong>4. Longboards:</strong> The biggest of the bunch. These boards measure at nine feet or up. These boards come with either a tri-fin setup or a single-fin setup (best for classic surfing).
<h2>Types of Surfing Waves</h2>
Much like the boards, the waves also make a huge difference to the surfing experience. A swell is essential for surfing, without which one cannot surf. On average, a swell travels at roughly 15-20mph when it hits the shore. Broadly, there are three major waves identified in the surfing world.

<strong>1. Surging Waves:</strong> Useless for surfing. These waves come from deep water and onto steep beaches. And instead of breaking, these waves surge up on the beach.

<strong>2. Spilling Waves:</strong> A gently sloping sea floor gives way to these waves, causing a gradual peak. The energy release is rather slow, hence the crest spills down a wave.

<strong>3. Plunging Waves:</strong> The perfect wave for a surfer. These happen when a swell moves from deep waters to shallow ones. This obstructs the forward momentum of waves, resulting in a peak.
<h2>Key Tricks in Surfing</h2>
Let's be honest, the best part about watching surfing is seeing the tricks. And the best part about being one? Performing them! While there are many iterations of tricks in the sport, here are the five most important ones.

<strong>1. The Barrel:</strong> Surfing's most prized and difficult maneuver. It forms as the wave's crest pitches forward and over, leading to a hollow chamber within the wave.

[caption id="attachment_1329324" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1329324" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-473055354-1.jpg" alt="Kelly Slater" width="1920" height="1280" /> 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)[/caption]

<strong>2. Bottom Turn:</strong> The most fundamental move in surfing. It happens when a surfer has stood up and dropped down the face of a wave. Once at the bottom of the wave, a surfer pivots their momentum towards the open face of a wave.

<strong>3. Top Turn:</strong> For a shortboard surfer, this is the most fundamental move. While riding a wave, the crest hangs there, begging to be 'hit.' And that is what surfers do by generating extra speed by dipping back in the wave's trough.

<strong>4. The Floater:</strong> Some waves do not break along the beach perfectly. When a surfer faces the situation, they must use their speed to ride up, onto, and across the crest to reach the other side of the wave's breaking section.

<strong>5. The Air:</strong> It is essentially launching off a wave into the air. What began as a simple jump has transformed into Air reverse or a 360 off the lip. This trick has the most variations, including inverted 540s, back-flips, and alley-oops.
<h2>Different Kinds of Surfing</h2>
Venturing into the final 'variety section' of the sport, we stumble upon the various kinds of surfing. Five major kinds of surfing are popular around the globe.

<strong>1. Freesurfing</strong>: This is simply non-competitive surfing. While there are no rules here, a strict code of conduct is duly followed.

<strong>2. Competition Surfing:</strong> While competitive rules vary between organizations, all of them have divisions. Broken down by age and gender, two to four surfers go against each other.

<strong>3. Shortboarding:</strong> Fast moves and quick tricks are the goals when surfing on a shortboard.

<strong>4. Longboarding:</strong> The 'classic' style of surfing. It consists of smooth and relaxed control of the board.

<strong>5. Tow Surfing:</strong> The sport's most recent and exclusive iteration. A jetski, tied with a waterski rope, held by a surfer doing tricks — that is Tow Surfing.
<h2>Major events in Surfing</h2>
<strong>1. Pipe Masters -</strong> Held at the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Consists of one of the most dangerous waves anywhere in the world.

<strong>2. WSL Finals -</strong> Lower Trestles, California, USA.

<strong>3. Surf Ranch Pro -</strong> Lemoore, California, USA. It is the only stop at an artificial wave.

<strong>4. Nazaré Tow Surfing -</strong> Nazaré, Portugal. Home to the world's biggest waves.

<strong>5. Triple Crown of Surfing -</strong> North shore of Oahu hosts two more events. Together, they are known as the Triple Crown of surfing. It is one of the most coveted titles in pro surfing.

<strong>6. Red Bull Cape Fear -</strong> A fan-favorite, it is the only big wave slab event in the world.

<strong>7. Jaws Big Wave Championships -</strong> Maui, Hawaii.

<strong>8. International Surfing Association World Surfing Games</strong>
<h2>Famous Surfers</h2>
<strong>1. Kelly Slater:</strong> Talking about individual achievements, Kelly Slater is the GOAT of surfing. He has won 11 World Titles in his career and owns the record for the youngest as well as the oldest Men's champion in history. Away from the waves, he also pioneered a wave pool technology that creates man-made waves for surfing.

[caption id="attachment_1329330" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1329330" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-97653498.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1262" /> SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Kelly Slater of the United States rides a wave into shore during an aerial expression session on day one of Surfsho at Bondi Beach on March 12, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption]

<strong>2. Duke Kahanamoku:</strong> Famously called the 'Father of Surfing.' His contribution to surfing is what James Naismith's was to Basketball. An Olympic champion swimmer, Kahanamoku invented modern surfing in the 1920s.

<strong>3. Layne Beachley:</strong> The seven-time Women's World Champion is one of the most accomplished women to have taken up surfing. The Australian won six consecutive world titles from 1998 to 2003 — the only time any woman or man has achieved the feat. Her final title win came in 2006. She is also one of the few women to have competed against men.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Surfing

When put simply, surfing is the act of standing up on a specially designed-board and riding a wave. The choice of construction of the board varies from level of experience to personal preference. It is an exhilarating water sport that seems pretty straightforward but is far from one. From different kinds of surfboards to events to even particular kinds of waves, each factor changes the face of the game in an instant. In the early days, surfing was done exclusively in the ocean but now also happens in the US Great Lakes, The Mediterranean Sea, and even artificial wave pools. History of Surfing Famously dubbed &#8216;the sport of Kings,&#8217; Surfing originated in Hawaii. The island&#8217;s royalty and commoners practiced the sport as a recreational activity in the early 20th century. Touring surfers took the sport with them back to countries like the US and Australia, where it transformed into a global phenomenon. In 1976, a World Surfing Tour was founded, which is now called the World Surf League (WSL). Surfing has now grown into a multi-billion dollar industry and is governed by the International Surfing Association, representing 55 nations across the planet. The four kinds of Surfboards There are majorly four different kinds of surfboard that a surfer can choose from. Ranging from a short one to a long one, every surfer chooses these based on personal preference and expertise. But amateur surfers are advised to start with the longest possible board. Here is the breakdown of every board: 1. Shortboard: Is a six and a half feet or shorter board. Has little volume and three fins attached to the bottom. It is specifically designed for high-performance surfing. 2. Mini Mal, Mini Tanker, Funboard, Fish, Egg, Bonzer: These boards make up the rest of the shorter-side boards. While varying between five and eight feet, these boards have more volume than a shortboard. 3. Gun: A seven to nine feet board designed for surfing on large waves. 4. Longboards: The biggest of the bunch. These boards measure at nine feet or up. These boards come with either a tri-fin setup or a single-fin setup (best for classic surfing). Types of Surfing Waves Much like the boards, the waves also make a huge difference to the surfing experience. A swell is essential for surfing, without which one cannot surf. On average, a swell travels at roughly 15-20mph when it hits the shore. Broadly, there are three major waves identified in the surfing world. 1. Surging Waves: Useless for surfing. These waves come from deep water and onto steep beaches. And instead of breaking, these waves surge up on the beach. 2. Spilling Waves: A gently sloping sea floor gives way to these waves, causing a gradual peak. The energy release is rather slow, hence the crest spills down a wave. 3. Plunging Waves: The perfect wave for a surfer. These happen when a swell moves from deep waters to shallow ones. This obstructs the forward momentum of waves, resulting in a peak. Key Tricks in Surfing Let&#8217;s be honest, the best part about watching surfing is seeing the tricks. And the best part about being one? Performing them! While there are many iterations of tricks in the sport, here are the five most important ones. 1. The Barrel: Surfing&#8217;s most prized and difficult maneuver. It forms as the wave&#8217;s crest pitches forward and over, leading to a hollow chamber within the wave. RIO DE JANEIRO, RIO &#8211; 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) 2. Bottom Turn: The most fundamental move in surfing. It happens when a surfer has stood up and dropped down the face of a wave. Once at the bottom of the wave, a surfer pivots their momentum towards the open face of a wave. 3. Top Turn: For a shortboard surfer, this is the most fundamental move. While riding a wave, the crest hangs there, begging to be &#8216;hit.&#8217; And that is what surfers do by generating extra speed by dipping back in the wave&#8217;s trough. 4. The Floater: Some waves do not break along the beach perfectly. When a surfer faces the situation, they must use their speed to ride up, onto, and across the crest to reach the other side of the wave&#8217;s breaking section. 5. The Air: It is essentially launching off a wave into the air. What began as a simple jump has transformed into Air reverse or a 360 off the lip. This trick has the most variations, including inverted 540s, back-flips, and alley-oops. Different Kinds of Surfing Venturing into the final &#8216;variety section&#8217; of the sport, we stumble upon the various kinds of surfing. Five major kinds of surfing are popular around the globe. 1. Freesurfing: This is simply non-competitive surfing. While there are no rules here, a strict code of conduct is duly followed. 2. Competition Surfing: While competitive rules vary between organizations, all of them have divisions. Broken down by age and gender, two to four surfers go against each other. 3. Shortboarding: Fast moves and quick tricks are the goals when surfing on a shortboard. 4. Longboarding: The &#8216;classic&#8217; style of surfing. It consists of smooth and relaxed control of the board. 5. Tow Surfing: The sport&#8217;s most recent and exclusive iteration. A jetski, tied with a waterski rope, held by a surfer doing tricks — that is Tow Surfing. Major events in Surfing 1. Pipe Masters &#8211; Held at the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Consists of one of the most dangerous waves anywhere in the world. 2. WSL Finals &#8211; Lower Trestles, California, USA. 3. Surf Ranch Pro &#8211; Lemoore, California, USA. It is the only stop at an artificial wave. 4. Nazaré Tow Surfing &#8211; Nazaré, Portugal. Home to the world&#8217;s biggest waves. 5. Triple Crown of Surfing &#8211; North shore of Oahu hosts two more events. Together, they are known as the Triple Crown of surfing. It is one of the most coveted titles in pro surfing. 6. Red Bull Cape Fear &#8211; A fan-favorite, it is the only big wave slab event in the world. 7. Jaws Big Wave Championships &#8211; Maui, Hawaii. 8. International Surfing Association World Surfing Games Famous Surfers 1. Kelly Slater: Talking about individual achievements, Kelly Slater is the GOAT of surfing. He has won 11 World Titles in his career and owns the record for the youngest as well as the oldest Men&#8217;s champion in history. Away from the waves, he also pioneered a wave pool technology that creates man-made waves for surfing. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA &#8211; MARCH 12: Kelly Slater of the United States rides a wave into shore during an aerial expression session on day one of Surfsho at Bondi Beach on March 12, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) 2. Duke Kahanamoku: Famously called the &#8216;Father of Surfing.&#8217; His contribution to surfing is what James Naismith&#8217;s was to Basketball. An Olympic champion swimmer, Kahanamoku invented modern surfing in the 1920s. 3. Layne Beachley: The seven-time Women&#8217;s World Champion is one of the most accomplished women to have taken up surfing. The Australian won six consecutive world titles from 1998 to 2003 — the only time any woman or man has achieved the feat. Her final title win came in 2006. She is also one of the few women to have competed against men. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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The 11x world surf league champion, Kelly Slater once recalled the most scariest aircraft journey he has ever been to.

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“I Thought We Had a Crash Landing”: 11x WSL Champ Kelly Slater Had a Nerve-Wrecking Moment Right Before World Surfing Championships in 1990

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<span style="font-weight: 400">When it comes to surfing, Kelly Slater is a household name. This legendary athlete has dominated surfing from the day he started competing, and has maintained his iconic status well into his fifties. He is still the record-holder for the most world titles won by a surfer (he has 11 of them), which remains unbroken to date. Not only is he a fabled surfer who has attained the G.O.A.T. status, but he is also an activist for environmental causes, a philanthropist, and a successful entrepreneur.</span>
<h3><b>Kelly Slater 2023: Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements</b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400">As of March 2023, Kelly Slater’s net worth is estimated to be near $25 million, though he has not revealed the same himself. The estimation is based on his career winnings, the value of his surf ranch, his wave company, investments, and his luxury car collection. He is one of the highest-paid surfers and is estimated to have career earnings nearing $4 million. In 2023, Kelly Slater unveiled his new brand, ‘KLLY’, which produces sandals. Since he was 18 years old, he has been sponsored by the major surfwear producer, ‘Quiksilver’.</span>

[caption id="attachment_1329330" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1329330" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-97653498.jpg" alt="Kelly Slater" width="1920" height="1262" /> SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Kelly Slater of the United States rides a wave into shore during an aerial expression session on day one of Surfsho at Bondi Beach on March 12, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption]

<span style="font-weight: 400">However, in 2014, he left Quiksilver and collaborated with the company ‘Kering’ to form 'Outerknown', an eco-friendly clothing company. He is also known to own a beverage company called ‘Purps’. Slater also lent his voice to the animated movie ‘Surf’s Up’ which was released in 2007 and earned $149 million worldwide. He is also the brand ambassador of Chia Co. Slater has also collaborated with GoPro, Kommunity Project, and Channel Islands. After winning his 10th world title, he got a 3% stake in Quiksilver.</span>
<h3><b>Kelly Slater’s early life and family</b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400">This iconic surfer was born Robert Kelly Slater, on February 11, 1972, to Stephen Slater and Judy Moriarty, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, U.S.A. He is the son of a bait-shop owner and is of Syrian-Irish descent. Kelly Slater has two siblings named Stephen Slater and Sean Slater. Since his father owned a store that sold fishing equipment, Slater grew up near the beach and started surfing when he was 5 years old.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Though Slater is largely a private entity, he has often talked about how his father’s alcoholism has shaped his career. In 1998, Slater started his Master's degree in Criminal Law at Sydney University in Australia, which he was able to complete in 2004 as he was forced to study part-time. </span>In 2003, he published his autobiography, 'Pipe Dreams: A Surfer's Journey', which he co-authored with Jason Borte.
<h3><b>Kelly Slater’s surfing career</b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400">This legendary surfer started winning age-division competitions by the time he was 10. In 1984, he won his first age-division United States championship title. In 1990, Kelly Slater turned professional at the age of 18. However, the first two years did not go as expected, and he came 90th and 43rd respectively in world rankings. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">When 1992 came, it brought good things for Slater. He managed to grace the podium in three out of his first five events of the season. The same year, Kelly Slater arrived in the world of competitive surfing after he won his first professional tour event, the Rip Curl Pro in France. Post that, he was unstoppable.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">In 1993, Slater bumped down to 6th place, however, from 1994, he dominated the world championship tour like no other surfer in the history of the sport. When he won his 5th world title in 1997, he surpassed Mark Richards to become the most successful surfer on the tour. After winning the title for 5 consecutive years till 1998, Kelly Slater decided he wanted a break from competitive surfing. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">He returned to compete in 2002, and in an unprecedented move, won a championship title once again in 2005. In 2007, after winning the Boost Mobile Pro event at Lower Trestles near San Clemente, California, he became the all-time leader in career wins, a record which was previously held by Tom Curren, who was one of Kelly Slater’s childhood heroes.</span>

[caption id="attachment_1327851" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1327851" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1238223243.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> HALEIWA, HAWAII - FEBRUARY 5: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after winning the Final at the Billabong Pro Pipeline on February 5, 2022 in Haleiwa, Hawaii. (Photo by Tony Heff/World Surf League via Getty Images)[/caption]

<span style="font-weight: 400">In May 2005, Slater received dual perfect scores for his final heat in the Billabong Tahiti Pro contest at Teahupo'o, under the ASP two-wave scoring system, the first-ever surfer to do so. He did it again on June 2013 in the quarter-finals at the Volcom Fiji Pro with two <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-surfing-news-as-wsl-twenty-twenty-three-surfs-to-brazil-viral-video-of-kelly-slaters-ten-point-performance-resurfaces/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">perfect ten waves</a>, only the fourth person in history to do so. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Throughout his career, he has competed in and won prestigious events like the ASP World Tour, Rip Curl Pro Landes, Quiksilver Pro, Triple Crown of Surfing, the Tokushima Pro in Japan, Billabong Pro, and many others. After his win at the 'Rip Curl Pro' tournament, in 2010, Kelly was felicitated by the U.S House of Representatives, on May 8, initiated by Bill Posey, for the former's invaluable contribution to sports.</span>
<h3><b>Kelly Slater’s various records and championship wins</b></h3>
In 1992, at 20, Slater became the youngest surfer to win a world championship in surfing. Interestingly, he is also the oldest surfer to win a world championship title at the age of 39 in 2011.

Kelly Slater turned the sport of surfing on its head when he started competing, but what he is known worldwide for is having the highest number of world championship titles. Slater managed to garner <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-surfing-news-despite-world-championship-wins-kelly-slater-makes-a-rookie-mistake/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">11 world titles during his career</a>, five of them consecutive, as he won every year from 1994 to 1998.

[caption id="attachment_1329328" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1329328 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1238222866-1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> HALEIWA, HAWAII - FEBRUARY 5: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after winning the Final at the Billabong Pro Pipeline on February 5, 2022 in Haleiwa, Hawaii. (Photo by Tony Heff/World Surf League via Getty Images)[/caption]

During his career, he clinched the following major titles, in addition to many others:
<ul>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">World Championship title (2011, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2005, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1992)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Quiksilver Pro (2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2006, 1996, and 1995)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Volcom Fiji Pro (2013 and 2012)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Rip Curl Pro (twice in 2010, 2008, 2006, twice in 1996, 1994, and 1992)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Billabong Pro (2011, 2008, twice in 2005, thrice in 2003, 1997)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Billabong Pipeline Masters (2013, 2008)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Triple Crown of Surfing Champion (2019, 1998, 1995)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Billabong Pro Pipeline (2022)</span></li>
 	<li><span style="font-weight: 400">Chiemsee Pipe Masters (1996, 1995, and 1994)</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><b>Kelly Slater’s plan to retire from surfing</b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Kelly Slater has teased his retirement from surfing several times now, but it seems like his heart is not done yet. He first revealed his plans of retiring from the sport in 2018, saying he will leave the sport when 2019 came. However, in 2022, he was still competing in the WSL Championship Tour. Now, he has revealed he might retire from the sport in 2024, but only after he tries out for the Paris Olympics. According to him, if he does qualify for the Olympics, he wants to retire after competing in the Olympics. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Slater almost qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, but was only able to make it as the reserve of the USA team. Now, it seems like he is vying for the ever-elusive Olympic medal before saying goodbye to the sport once and for all.</span>

[caption id="attachment_1329301" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1329301 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1239971979-1.jpg" alt="KELLY SLATER" width="1920" height="1280" /> BELLS BEACH, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after surfing in Heat 13 of the Round of 32 at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach on April 14, 2022 at Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia (Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League via Getty Images)[/caption]

<span style="font-weight: 400">In the 2024 Paris Games, the surfing competitions will be held at Tahiti’s monster lefthand tube, Teahupo’o, a wave at which Kelly Slater has excelled in the past, which is one of the reasons he wants to try out for the team. He has hinted that he might retire this season, if he gets enough wins, though he has not confirmed the same.</span>
<h3><b>Kelly Slater’s girlfriend, ex-girlfriend, and daughter</b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Kelly Slater is <a href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-surfing-news-beautiful-way-surfing-legend-kelly-slater-proud-of-long-time-girlfriends-latest-venture/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">currently dating Kalani Miller</a>, a surfer, artist, and former model from San Clemente, California, who runs a fashion label called ‘Mikoh’. The pair met at a surfing event held in San Diego in around 2006. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">They both decided to be together after having their first date in France. They have been together for more than 15 years. Miller is seen accompanying Slater on several Championship Tours to offer encouragement and was also present when he won the Billabong Pipe Masters in 2022 days before his 50th birthday.</span>

[caption id="attachment_1329299" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1329299" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1388092757-1.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" /> HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Kelly Slater and Kalani Miller attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)[/caption]

<span style="font-weight: 400">In the past, Kelly Slater has dated his Baywatch co-star Pamela Anderson, the model Gisele Bundchen, and the famous actress Cameron Diaz. He also dated Tamara Mitchell, with whom he has his only daughter, Taylor Mitchell, who was born in 1996. Even though Kelly and Tamara have split, he enjoys an amicable relationship with his daughter Taylor, who is known to share pictures with him, including birthday messages, on social media. </span>
<h3><b>Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch</b></h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Kelly Slater always wanted to find out if humans could mimic the waves of the ocean. His vision was to create a soliton wave, i.e., a self-reinforcing solitary wave that maintains its shape while it propagates at a constant velocity. In 2006, Slater met up with Adam Fincham, a British amateur surfer and aerospace engineer with a specialization in geophysical fluid dynamics, who became the head scientist at KSWC. In 2007, he founded the Kelly Slater Wave Company to give effect to this dream. After a decade, he was able to realize it. </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Slater named the venue the Surf Ranch, which comprises a 700 m-long lake in which the artificial waves are formed. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">The Surf Ranch is located in the Central Valley region of California in a town called Lemoore. The wave is created by a locomotive that moves along a track on the side of the pool and drags along a hydrofoil underwater which creates 6-foot barreling waves. These waves are WSL Certified Competitive waves. It is estimated that the Surf Ranch took up to $30 million to design, develop and build. The Surf Ranch is not open to the public in general. However, special groups can booking access can book sessions at the Surf Ranch, and a full-day pass can go up to $85,000 for 20 people. </span>
<table>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Name: Kelly Slater</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Born: February 11, 1972</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Birth: Cocoa Beach, Florida, U.S.A.</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality: American</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Education: Master's Degree in Criminal Law from Sydney University, Australia</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents: Stephen Slater and Judy Moriarty</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height: Between 5'8" to 5'9" (174-175 cm)</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight: About 160 lb (73 kgs)</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Girlfriend: Kalani Miller</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Kids: Taylor Mitchell</span></td>
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<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Social Media: Instagram ID- @kellyslater</span></td>
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</table>

Kelly Slater

When it comes to surfing, Kelly Slater is a household name. This legendary athlete has dominated surfing from the day he started competing, and has maintained his iconic status well into his fifties. He is still the record-holder for the most world titles won by a surfer (he has 11 of them), which remains unbroken to date. Not only is he a fabled surfer who has attained the G.O.A.T. status, but he is also an activist for environmental causes, a philanthropist, and a successful entrepreneur. Kelly Slater 2023: Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements As of March 2023, Kelly Slater’s net worth is estimated to be near $25 million, though he has not revealed the same himself. The estimation is based on his career winnings, the value of his surf ranch, his wave company, investments, and his luxury car collection. He is one of the highest-paid surfers and is estimated to have career earnings nearing $4 million. In 2023, Kelly Slater unveiled his new brand, ‘KLLY’, which produces sandals. Since he was 18 years old, he has been sponsored by the major surfwear producer, ‘Quiksilver’. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA &#8211; MARCH 12: Kelly Slater of the United States rides a wave into shore during an aerial expression session on day one of Surfsho at Bondi Beach on March 12, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) However, in 2014, he left Quiksilver and collaborated with the company ‘Kering’ to form &#8216;Outerknown&#8217;, an eco-friendly clothing company. He is also known to own a beverage company called ‘Purps’. Slater also lent his voice to the animated movie ‘Surf’s Up’ which was released in 2007 and earned $149 million worldwide. He is also the brand ambassador of Chia Co. Slater has also collaborated with GoPro, Kommunity Project, and Channel Islands. After winning his 10th world title, he got a 3% stake in Quiksilver. Kelly Slater’s early life and family This iconic surfer was born Robert Kelly Slater, on February 11, 1972, to Stephen Slater and Judy Moriarty, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, U.S.A. He is the son of a bait-shop owner and is of Syrian-Irish descent. Kelly Slater has two siblings named Stephen Slater and Sean Slater. Since his father owned a store that sold fishing equipment, Slater grew up near the beach and started surfing when he was 5 years old. Though Slater is largely a private entity, he has often talked about how his father’s alcoholism has shaped his career. In 1998, Slater started his Master&#8217;s degree in Criminal Law at Sydney University in Australia, which he was able to complete in 2004 as he was forced to study part-time. In 2003, he published his autobiography, &#8216;Pipe Dreams: A Surfer&#8217;s Journey&#8217;, which he co-authored with Jason Borte. Kelly Slater’s surfing career This legendary surfer started winning age-division competitions by the time he was 10. In 1984, he won his first age-division United States championship title. In 1990, Kelly Slater turned professional at the age of 18. However, the first two years did not go as expected, and he came 90th and 43rd respectively in world rankings. When 1992 came, it brought good things for Slater. He managed to grace the podium in three out of his first five events of the season. The same year, Kelly Slater arrived in the world of competitive surfing after he won his first professional tour event, the Rip Curl Pro in France. Post that, he was unstoppable. In 1993, Slater bumped down to 6th place, however, from 1994, he dominated the world championship tour like no other surfer in the history of the sport. When he won his 5th world title in 1997, he surpassed Mark Richards to become the most successful surfer on the tour. After winning the title for 5 consecutive years till 1998, Kelly Slater decided he wanted a break from competitive surfing. He returned to compete in 2002, and in an unprecedented move, won a championship title once again in 2005. In 2007, after winning the Boost Mobile Pro event at Lower Trestles near San Clemente, California, he became the all-time leader in career wins, a record which was previously held by Tom Curren, who was one of Kelly Slater’s childhood heroes. HALEIWA, HAWAII &#8211; FEBRUARY 5: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after winning the Final at the Billabong Pro Pipeline on February 5, 2022 in Haleiwa, Hawaii. (Photo by Tony Heff/World Surf League via Getty Images) In May 2005, Slater received dual perfect scores for his final heat in the Billabong Tahiti Pro contest at Teahupo&#8217;o, under the ASP two-wave scoring system, the first-ever surfer to do so. He did it again on June 2013 in the quarter-finals at the Volcom Fiji Pro with two perfect ten waves, only the fourth person in history to do so. Throughout his career, he has competed in and won prestigious events like the ASP World Tour, Rip Curl Pro Landes, Quiksilver Pro, Triple Crown of Surfing, the Tokushima Pro in Japan, Billabong Pro, and many others. After his win at the &#8216;Rip Curl Pro&#8217; tournament, in 2010, Kelly was felicitated by the U.S House of Representatives, on May 8, initiated by Bill Posey, for the former&#8217;s invaluable contribution to sports. Kelly Slater’s various records and championship wins In 1992, at 20, Slater became the youngest surfer to win a world championship in surfing. Interestingly, he is also the oldest surfer to win a world championship title at the age of 39 in 2011. Kelly Slater turned the sport of surfing on its head when he started competing, but what he is known worldwide for is having the highest number of world championship titles. Slater managed to garner 11 world titles during his career, five of them consecutive, as he won every year from 1994 to 1998. HALEIWA, HAWAII &#8211; FEBRUARY 5: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after winning the Final at the Billabong Pro Pipeline on February 5, 2022 in Haleiwa, Hawaii. (Photo by Tony Heff/World Surf League via Getty Images) During his career, he clinched the following major titles, in addition to many others: World Championship title (2011, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2005, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1992) Quiksilver Pro (2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2006, 1996, and 1995) Volcom Fiji Pro (2013 and 2012) Rip Curl Pro (twice in 2010, 2008, 2006, twice in 1996, 1994, and 1992) Billabong Pro (2011, 2008, twice in 2005, thrice in 2003, 1997) Billabong Pipeline Masters (2013, 2008) Triple Crown of Surfing Champion (2019, 1998, 1995) Billabong Pro Pipeline (2022) Chiemsee Pipe Masters (1996, 1995, and 1994) Kelly Slater’s plan to retire from surfing Kelly Slater has teased his retirement from surfing several times now, but it seems like his heart is not done yet. He first revealed his plans of retiring from the sport in 2018, saying he will leave the sport when 2019 came. However, in 2022, he was still competing in the WSL Championship Tour. Now, he has revealed he might retire from the sport in 2024, but only after he tries out for the Paris Olympics. According to him, if he does qualify for the Olympics, he wants to retire after competing in the Olympics. Slater almost qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, but was only able to make it as the reserve of the USA team. Now, it seems like he is vying for the ever-elusive Olympic medal before saying goodbye to the sport once and for all. BELLS BEACH, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA &#8211; APRIL 14: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after surfing in Heat 13 of the Round of 32 at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach on April 14, 2022 at Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia (Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League via Getty Images) In the 2024 Paris Games, the surfing competitions will be held at Tahiti’s monster lefthand tube, Teahupo’o, a wave at which Kelly Slater has excelled in the past, which is one of the reasons he wants to try out for the team. He has hinted that he might retire this season, if he gets enough wins, though he has not confirmed the same. Kelly Slater’s girlfriend, ex-girlfriend, and daughter Kelly Slater is currently dating Kalani Miller, a surfer, artist, and former model from San Clemente, California, who runs a fashion label called ‘Mikoh’. The pair met at a surfing event held in San Diego in around 2006. They both decided to be together after having their first date in France. They have been together for more than 15 years. Miller is seen accompanying Slater on several Championship Tours to offer encouragement and was also present when he won the Billabong Pipe Masters in 2022 days before his 50th birthday. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA &#8211; MARCH 27: Kelly Slater and Kalani Miller attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) In the past, Kelly Slater has dated his Baywatch co-star Pamela Anderson, the model Gisele Bundchen, and the famous actress Cameron Diaz. He also dated Tamara Mitchell, with whom he has his only daughter, Taylor Mitchell, who was born in 1996. Even though Kelly and Tamara have split, he enjoys an amicable relationship with his daughter Taylor, who is known to share pictures with him, including birthday messages, on social media.  Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch Kelly Slater always wanted to find out if humans could mimic the waves of the ocean. His vision was to create a soliton wave, i.e., a self-reinforcing solitary wave that maintains its shape while it propagates at a constant velocity. In 2006, Slater met up with Adam Fincham, a British amateur surfer and aerospace engineer with a specialization in geophysical fluid dynamics, who became the head scientist at KSWC. In 2007, he founded the Kelly Slater Wave Company to give effect to this dream. After a decade, he was able to realize it. Slater named the venue the Surf Ranch, which comprises a 700 m-long lake in which the artificial waves are formed. The Surf Ranch is located in the Central Valley region of California in a town called Lemoore. The wave is created by a locomotive that moves along a track on the side of the pool and drags along a hydrofoil underwater which creates 6-foot barreling waves. These waves are WSL Certified Competitive waves. It is estimated that the Surf Ranch took up to $30 million to design, develop and build. The Surf Ranch is not open to the public in general. However, special groups can booking access can book sessions at the Surf Ranch, and a full-day pass can go up to $85,000 for 20 people.   Name: Kelly Slater  Born: February 11, 1972  Place of Birth: Cocoa Beach, Florida, U.S.A.  Nationality: American  Education: Master&#8217;s Degree in Criminal Law from Sydney University, Australia  Parents: Stephen Slater and Judy Moriarty  Height: Between 5&#8217;8&#8243; to 5&#8217;9&#8243; (174-175 cm)  Weight: About 160 lb (73 kgs)  Girlfriend: Kalani Miller  Kids: Taylor Mitchell  Social Media: Instagram ID- @kellyslater

“I Thought We Had a Crash Landing”: 11x WSL Champ Kelly Slater Had a Nerve-Wrecking Moment Right Before World Surfing Championships in 1990

Kelly Slater’s scariest aircraft journey