“People From Different Walks of Life Surf Now”: 11X World Champion Kelly Slater Opens Up on the Rising Popularity of Surfing While Comparing It to Golf

Kelly Slater is a legendary surfer. With 11 world championships to his name, Slater is the most decorated surfer in the world. Salter also holds the records for the youngest and the oldest individual to win the World Surfing League. After making his pro debut in 1990, today at 50, Slater shows no signs of slowing down. Earlier this year, Slater also won the Billabong Pro Pipeline.

While the surfing legend loves his sport, he also loves to play golf at times. Kelly’s first experience with golf came when he was a kid. Kelly didn’t begin playing seriously until 23. However, he started enjoying golf as soon as he got the hang of things. Earlier this year, Kelly commented on the rising popularity of surfing and compared it with golfing.

Kelly Slater explored the relationship between surfing and golfing

On October 24, Kelly Slater appeared on the YouTube channel “On the Road with Iona” The golfing-focused. During their conversation, Slater revealed how he came to love golf and explored the similarities between golfing and surfing. “It’s (Golf) something you can do with anyone from all walks of life,” said Slate.

“I find it to be really like a challenge against yourself,” said Kelly. He also said when someone walks up to a golf ball and swings a club, they’re trying to replicate what they did right the last time. He also said they’re trying to see if they “Can better it and learn more,”. “Surfing is that way,” said the 11-time world champion.

“So many people, from different walks of life, surf now,” said Kelly. He also said golf and surfing bring people from different walks of life together. “It’s kind of an icebreaker for a lot of people. You know, like music would be,” added the champion surfer.

READ MORE: “Carry on the Surfing Tradition”: Legend Kelly Slater Had an Insane Childhood Expedition at the Back of His Prodigal Talent

Kelly said surfing, like golf, also becomes part of the lifestyle for those participating in these sports. “Lifelong, lifestyle sport like golf,” said Slater.

The legendary surfer didn’t like golf in the beginning

Kelly Slater began playing golf when he was a kid but didn’t like it. “I just didn’t really understand the mechanics of the swing and (golf) didn’t really speak to me,” Kelly said during the conversation with Iona. However, he stuck with the sport through his teenage years and played it with friends once a year on a golf course.

However, one day he found some success while playing with a friend. So Kelly told his friend he would play again. And within a week, he was hooked on the new sport. Kelly hasn’t stopped playing since.

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What do you make of Kelly’s take on surfing and golf? Do you agree with the 11-time world champion?