Not Just a High Stakes 11x Champ, Kelly Slater Proves to Young Ones, Surfing Can Help Build a Solid Body and a Sound Mind

Kelly Slater is undoubtedly the greatest surfer of all time. For over three decades, he dominated the sport. From Bali to Tahiti, the four-time Glorious Action Sports Person of the Year winner has changed the sport of surfing. Slater recently took a break from sports to visit the wave project in Scotland.

The GOAT visited the Laureus Wave Project, a surfing therapy program that uses the sport to improve the mental health of children and youngsters. Kelly Slater was pretty impressed by the way this project works.

The Laureus wave project

The wave project aims to improve the mental health of the younger generation. It also aims to reduce anxiety and build confidence through the power of surfing. This project, unsurprisingly, attracted the attention of the pro surfer, as he loves surfing more than anything else.

The program targets kids who have a range of physical or mental health issues and also supports those who are facing social isolation. It is a six-week course and is open to the age-groups between 8 and 21. Each child in the program has a surf mentor who provides one-on-one support to the child. The weekly surfing project helps in building skills, regulating emotions, and building self-esteem.

ALSO READ – British F1 Legend Lewis Hamilton Catching Waves and Being Hyped Up by Surfing Icon Kelly Slater Is the Wholesome Content Everyone Needs

Talking to the children before a session, Slater said, “Surfing that aren’t actually riding the wave. You know it’s learning about the ocean, learning about the currents. Being able to line waves up and know where to be so there’s a lot of different ways you can have fun surfing. You’ve got a lot of years ahead of you to enjoy this”. 

The significant career of Kelly Slater

The legend is known for dominating the sport for over 30 decades, while also being the youngest and oldest surfer to win a world championship. Kelly Slater won his first world championship when he was only 20 years old, in 1992.

Currently, the legend is 50 years old and, in total, has 11 World Surf League titles. This is the most WSL titles earned by any surfer to date. The legend not only has expertise in surfing but also has his own sustainable clothing line. He is also the founder of the artificial wave pool concept. The technology was brought to life in 2015 and has changed the world of surfing for good.

WATCH THIS STORY – Rare Image Shows 50-year-old Surfing Legend Kelly Slater With Hair

Slater’s record will stay unbeatable for a long time unless another young surfer with the skills to match Slater emerges out of the blue. What do you think of the wave project visited by Kelly Slater? Let us know in the comment section.