5 Things We’ve Learned from Kelly Slater
Lessons from a Surfing Legend
When you think about surfing, there is one name that undoubtedly comes to your mind, Kelly Slater. Slater will go down in history as one of the world’s best surfers and he is so exceptional that he stands on the same level as athletic titans like Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali. For many of us, Slater isn’t only an 11-time world champion, he’s a legend who has changed the sport and continues to inspire surfers everywhere. Kelly Slater knows what it means to live and breathe surfing and we can all learn from Kelly’s approach to life, sport and success. If you are a professional surfer or you’re just looking for some inspiration, here are five life-changing insights that we’ve picked up from Slater.
#1 Follow Your Passion
First of all, Kelly Slater teaches us the importance of following your passion and dreams. From a young age, Kelly was attracted to the ocean (where he lived nearby), and the thrill that surfing can give you. From the age of five, when he started surfing, Kelly spent numerous hours in the water, surfing more than anyone. He’s spending hours catching the best waves possible, constantly refining his technique and improving his surf. His love for the sport is visible in everything he does, when he’s riding the waves, sharing his experiences and love for surfing, or coaching the next generation of surfers.
Following your passion means fully accepting what you love and allowing it to drive your decisions in life. Kelly’s journey reminds us that passion can fuel creativity, drive, determination, and success.
So, find what makes your heart feel warm and make it part of your everyday life. If you love surfing, hit the waves often! Following your passion not only brings happiness but also helps you grow personally and professionally.
“If your mind is not switched on and excited about things, you grow old really fast. I think that’s when you age and your body starts to go. I think life’s over at that point.” – Kelly Slater
#2 Stay humble
You might think that someone as famous, talented and wealthy as Kelly Slater would be a bit cocky or out of touch, right? But that’s not the case at all, despite all his incredible achievements and success, Kelly has always managed to stay humble in both victory and defeat. Every time he hits the waves, whether it’s in a World Surf League competition or just for fun, he approaches it with genuine respect and appreciation.
No matter how far he has come in his surfing career, Slater never forgets what it means to be part of the surfing community. He loves what he does, and you can see that shine through in his interactions with fellow surfers, coaches and fans. His humility teaches us an important lesson: there’s always room for growth and learning, no matter how skilled you become.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in ego, especially when you start to see success. But Kelly’s example reminds us to keep our feet on the ground. Staying humble not only helps you connect with others but also creates a supportive environment within the community. After all, it’s not just about individual achievements; it’s about lifting each other up and sharing the stoke.
In your own journey, remember to celebrate all the successes of others as much as your own. Staying humble will open doors to new experiences and friendships. And remember, true success isn’t measured by what you take, but by how much you’re willing to give back.
#3 Keep Improving and Set Goals
Another cool thing about Kelly Slater is his relentless drive to keep improving his skills and setting new goals. It shows his dedication to the sport and is a great reminder for us all.
An example is when he won his first world title in 1992 he was 20 years old and Kelly didn’t stop there. He went on to compete and won a total of 11 world championships, and he continues to push his limits. And now being the youngest and oldest surfing world champion. He is always exploring new surf spots, experimenting with different surfboards, or refining his technique in changing conditions, Slater is an example of what it means to be a lifelong learner.
In surfing, as in life, there’s always something new to learn and ways to grow. Setting goals can keep your enthusiasm alive and your goals straight..It’s not just about the destination, it’s about the journey and the progress you make along the way.
So, don’t be afraid to set some fun goals for yourself! Maybe you want to paddle out to that challenging reef break or start learning how to use a surf skate. Write your goals down, keep track of your progress and use Kelly as your inspiration. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, because every step forward is needed.
“I want to surf better tomorrow. I want to surf better in 10 years. When I’m 50, I want to be a better surfer than I am now – for me, it’s a lifelong journey.” – Kelly Slater
#4 Take good care of your body
We all know that surfing can be pretty demanding on the body, and Kelly Slater really shows us how important it is to take care of ourselves. He’s a great example of this: still competing at a top level at 42 years old! He even competed against 21-year-old Gabriel Medina for the world title. Staying fit and healthy has kept him in the game.
It wasn’t really until his early 20s that he became mindful of his eating habits and he often reflects on how much better his teenage years could have been with healthier choices. As he began travelling and competing more often, he realised just how important diet is for his health and performance in surfing.
A key part of Kelly’s approach to nutrition is the belief that healthy eating is about both quality and variety. He challenges the idea that all fats are bad. Instead, he highlights the benefits of healthy fats found in foods like avocados, coconuts and chia seeds. He believes in knowing where your food comes from and supporting producers who share similar values.
As surfers, we rely on flexibility, strength, and endurance. So, making exercise a regular part of your routine is essential. This could be running, strength training, and even activities like yoga that improve flexibility and balance. A strong, healthy body will help you ride those waves with more confidence and reduce the risk of common surf injuries.
And let’s not forget how important sleep is! Giving your body and mind the chance to rest after those intense days in the water is key to success.
#5 Love and Respect the Ocean
He often talks about the incredible connection surfers have with the sea, and how important it is to protect it. This reminder is vital: surfing is not just about the thrill of riding waves, it’s also about cherishing the beautiful natural world around us. Through his platform, Kelly raises awareness about ocean conservation and how we can all contribute to this effort in both big and small ways.
For Kelly, the ocean and surfing have given him so much. “It’s given me everything from friendship to spirituality, to direction and inspiration,” he said. Those words resonate with so many of us, the ocean is much more than just a playground, it’s an important source of connection and joy.
So, when you’re out surfing, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the ocean around you. While riding those waves is amazing, we also have a responsibility to care for this environment and the climate. Kelly reminds us to consider how our actions impact the water and the beaches we love. Trying to get involved in local efforts, like beach cleanups and recycling projects can really help keep our surf spots beautiful.
Every time we paddle out, we’re part of something much larger. By respecting and caring for the ocean, we can make sure that future generations can enjoy the fun of surfing just like we do. Let’s support sustainable practices and inspire those around us to cherish and protect our beautiful waters!
“I think I was gifted with understanding the ocean, and it comes naturally to me.” – Kelly Slater
Kima Surf x Kelly Slater’s Principles
Kelly Slater has shown us that qualities like humility, passion, and perseverance can lead to amazing success, both in surfing and outside the water. True success isn’t just about winning and being the best, it’s also about staying humble, learning from our setbacks, and using our experiences to create a positive impact for others.
At our Kima Surf camps in Weligama and Hiriketiya, we embrace these values completely. Just like Kelly, we teach and motivate surfers of all levels, whether you’re just starting out and learning how to surf or already catching the same big waves as Kelly. Here, it’s not just about riding waves; it’s about building the mental and emotional strength needed for success in both surfing and life. We emphasize passion, persistence, and a commitment to continuously improving yourself.
So, whether you’re hanging out with us at Kima Surf or tackling your own personal challenges elsewhere, remember that these principles really do apply. Just as Kelly’s love for surfing drives him, you can also find your path to success by being true to yourself and working on being better every day.
Ready for your next adventure? Join us at Kima Surf and dive into your own surfing journey!