Kelly Slater, the 11-time WSL champion, has always had the best interest of the surfing community in mind. He has seen the devastating effects of human activities on the ocean and has, time and again, spoken out about the urgent need for environmental protection. Along similar lines, the 51-year-old surfing prodigy transformed into a total eco-warrior and voiced his silence for the health of our oceans.
The 11x WSL champion never shied away from standing up for the health and welfare of the aquatic life. Therefore, when he came across a video from the past that threatened the collective health of the community and the planet, he could not stay silent.
Kelly Slater’s environmental alarm
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Kelly Slater voiced his silence by sharing an old video on his social media account. Slater uploaded a video to his Instagram with the radioactive emoji as the caption. The video recapped how the government dumped “200,000 barrels of radioactive waste” in the North-East Atlantic Ocean near the U.S. coast.
Throughout his illustrious career, Slater has spoken about the dangers of swimming and surfing in radioactive waters. He said, “This world is a scary place right now for the future of our children and their children and the next few generations”.
As the most well-known professional surfer in the circuit, he has thrown his weight behind complete nuclear disarmament.
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The champion once talked about the depleting natural resources by taking the example of Japan. He stated, “You have Fukushima that’s just polluting the air and water horribly with radiation”.
Kelly Slater grew up in Cocoa Beach, where he learned to surf with his father and older brother. His father instructed him to follow through on his goals and to excel in his life. His mother worked in Florida’s space center, and she taught him to appreciate the environment from a young age. Kelly Slater has imbibed both of their teachings well and even at his age continues to defy the odds.
Kelly Slater pushing the limits
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Most people his age would love to slow down and rest on their laurels, but not Kelly Slater. He continues to push the limits of what is possible in surfing and even took part in the 2023 WSL.
He participated in the World Surf League to win a ticket to the 2024 Olympics. It is his ardent wish to win an Olympic gold medal in surfing. However, he failed to move beyond round of 32 falling short against Australia’s Liam O’Brien.
Read More: Kelly Slater Receives a Wholesome Gift From Daughter on 51st Birthday
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However, to everyone’s surprise, the committee decided to award him a wildcard entry, keeping his Olympic dreams alive. With such a deep love for surfing, it is not altogether shocking that he has championed the cause of ocean cleanup. With the waters free of radioactive wastes, the surfers can enjoy a safer and cleaner environment to practice their sport.
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