“That Was a Serious Swell!”: Surfing Legend Kelly Slater Has a Perfect Start to the New Year With Yet Another Honor

Kelly Slater is a surfing icon who’s been ruling the waves for three decades. Even at 50, the eleven-time World Surfing League winner finds success in the events in which he participates. The legendary surfer had a perfect start to the new year after adding another honor to his list of accolades. However, this list was unique, and Slater shared the news on his Instagram story. 

While most people still haven’t made their new year’s resolutions, success has already found the surfing legend. On the first day of the year, a renowned surfing resort announced the winner of its list of the top photos of 2022. Throughout the year, the Kandui resort in the Mentawai islands, Indonesia, took pictures of guests and the swells they surfed. At the end of the year, they hand-picked the ten best photos. 

Kelly Slater is excited about visiting the Mentawai Islands again

Earlier, the eleven-time WSL winner uploaded an Instagram story. In his story, Slater posted a picture of himself surfing a giant lefthand barrel wave. “#1 of the Top Photos of 2022.” Slater captioned the post. However, the surfing icon also wrote about surfing the swell again in the future. “That was a serious swell!!! Can’t wait for the next time.” Added the 50-year-old.

The official Instagram page of the Kandui Resort also uploaded the pictures. “July 3, 2022. Kelly and Kandui. The World’s Best Surfer and the World’s Best Left has been something we’ve wanted for a long time,” they wrote. Kelly Slater uploaded a zoomed-in image. However, the Kandui Resort upload captured the size of the left-hand barrel wave Slater surfed. 

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On December 2, 2022, the official Facebook page of the Resort announced the top photo of the year countdown. The Kandui Resort calls itself “Hands down the best surfing location on the planet.” The Resort also claims to be the only place in Mentawai with direct beach access to the best surfing zone on Karangmajat Island.

What makes the Mentawai Islands a top surfing destination?

The Mentawai Island chain is 150 km from the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Also known as the Mentawai Islands Regency, 70 islands and islets make up Mentawai. Because there are so many islands, the variation of swells on Mentawai is immense. It also makes the islands a year-long surfing destination.

The low surf season lasts from December to March. During this period, beginners can enjoy the swells of Mentawai. However, world-renowned waves like the Lance’s Left last from May to September. During this time, advanced and elite surfers like Kelly Slater visit to experience massive 7 Ft waves of Mentawai.

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What did you think of the picture of Kalley Slater, the Kandui Resort posted? Write your thoughts in the comments.