“One of the Greatest”: Kelly Slater Joins Devastated Surfing World in Mourning the Loss of 64-Year-Old Legend

Regarded widely for his distinctive surfing style, Dane Kealoha was a surf pioneer. From developing new surfing prompts to clinching accolades by performing those feats, Kealoha covered everything and was considered one of the most elite surfers. However, on Wednesday 10th May, the icon left the world after battling with cancer for a long time. Following this, tributes started pouring in for the legend. 11x World Surf League champion Kelly Slater also penned a heartfelt eulogy for Kealoha.

Taking to his social media handle, Kelly Slater shared Kealoha’s surfing video and shared a heartfelt message along with it. The 51-year-old profoundly talked about the Hawaiian surfer’s off-the-charts surfing spree and paid his earnest tributes.

Kelly Slater pens a heartwarming eulogy for the veteran surfer

Following the demise of the 64-year-old Dane Kealoha, renowned artist Debra Fletcher posted a throwback reel of the Hawaiian prodigy and expressed her heartfelt tribute. Re-sharing the video on his Instagram story, the 11 WSL champion penned, “One of the greatest and truest masters of straight-up surfing has left us. But he lives on in the inspiration and approach he shared with the world”.

Talking about his exceptional barrel approach, the 51-year-old further wrote, “I hope every generation of surfer studies Dane’s techniques and especially his barrel approach. Few surfers will ever master the craft like he did”.

Kealoha was a force to be reckoned with. He devised several prompts to paddle on big barrels with absolute finesse. More so, during his prime, the legend framed a multitude of accolades on his wall of fame and became a dominant figure in the world of surfing.

In Remembrance of Dane Kealoha

Growing up in proximity to oceans has its own perks. Hence, the turquoise water piqued Kealoha’s interest when he was just a teen. At 15, he clinched the Hawaii State Surfing title. Then, at 18, he stood atop the podium at the National Surfing Championship. Another victory for the legend came in 1977 when he was placed third at the Duke Kahanamoku Invitational.

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Nonetheless, Kealoha made many heads turn his way when he developed a distinctive surfing style called, ‘pig-dog’. The pig-dog was his signature prompt. It allowed him to paddle deep inside the wave barrel all while maintaining balance on the surfboard. With his preachings and surfing prowess, he paved the way for many generations of surfers to come. With his unfortunate passing, he indeed left a void in the world of surfing. Rest in Peace legend.

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