Hall of Famer: Kelly Slater

A Living Legend

World-renowned surfing legend Kelly Slater bags his tenth ASP World Cup Title. Staring at Kelly Slater’s deep blue eyes during one of his exclusive interviews with David Stanfield shows no hint that this guy in a simple white shirt is actually what the surfing world boasts of as the ten time world champion. An athletic giant in the modern times and currently ranking as the first worldwide, Slater has garnered himself a total of 10,000 points in some recent events such as the Quicksilver Pro and the Gold Coast which were held in Snapper Rocks, Australia.

Personal Background

Born on Feb. 11, 1972, Slater grew near the sandy shores of Cocoa Beach in Florida wherein he spent most of his young life surfing along with his  two brothers - older Sean Slater and younger Stephen Slater. Currently a father to his 10-year old girl, Taylor, he lets his daughter engage in the sport that he was best known for – surfing.

Different investments

Being a successful and overwhelmingly rich athlete, Slater was able to build himself houses in different countries and places across the United States namely Hawaii, Australia, Florida and California.  Leaving the public confused as to where the athlete lives, he answers straightforwardly, “I still have a home in Florida, but I spend probably equal amount of time in California, Hawaii, Australia throughout the year.”

Earning Millions

In his 18 years in the surfing arena, psyching the minds of the people as Stanfield puts it, Slater has earned himself $1,462,005 US Dollars(which amounts to Php 63,414,466.87!) . With the huge sum of money in his hands, he shares his fortune in charitable institutions and has even founded one himself known as the Kelly Slater Foundation. The foundation supports it's efforts by hosting specialty fundraising events and through donations from corporate organizations and individual philanthropists. This enables it to launch its programs and events on raising the awareness and providing financial support for existing social and environmentally conscious charities.

In the limelight

Endowed with the athletic surfing prowess, Slater was not hard on the eyes. In fact, recognized by numerous people in their blogging sites, he was even given the title as the “hottest athlete of 2010”. He starred on several films and he had television appearances such as Baywatch and Surf’s Up.

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Brief Thoughts about life

“Your life is as good as you make it in your mind.” -- A simple phrase that eventually summed up the entirety of his lengthy response to Stanfield’s question, “Do you have the perfect life?” Slater, being the most successful surfer in the history of sport (as described by a blog dedicated to the athlete), still remains modest amidst his innumerable victories, viewing life more of a spiritual thing than merely having money at one’s hands. With a mountain of achievements to brag about, Slater boasts nothing of it. Nevertheless, waking up and being happy was what he stressed of what a great life should constitute of.

Greatest Victory

Caught offguard in the interview as he was asked by Stanfield about his greatest victory, Slater answers, “Maybe the year… two years ago, the muddy water with Chris Ward.” Answering with ease to the question that seemingly struck the sports icon, he said that he felt no pressure and that he just enjoyed the whole experience.

Disclosed Weakness

A person untainted of conceitedness, he boldly disclosed his weakness of having lack of confidence at times. Though a living legend in the surfing scene for almost two decades, he still admits that there are given times that he suffers from anxiety.

A Kelly Slater Interview with David Stanfield 2010