Cover shot by Matt Dunbar/WSL
Have you seen Kelly Slater’s insane charge at Teahupo’o? It may be the most dazzling displays of surfing seen in recent memory, maybe even one of the greatest sporting moments in history. And it’s just sitting there, in the memory, as the WSL does its best attempt to convert viewers to fans again.
To add to the feat, it’s kind of wild this was one of the heaviest days we’ve seen competitions run at Teahupo’o, one of the world’s most terrifying waves. And in those conditions, Kelly pulled off a Kelly.
He lost the battle with the foam ball on his first shot, regathered, only to take two of the heaviest wipeouts of the event during his duel with three time world champion and event favourite Gabriel Medina.
Feeling it from the channel, imagine how it felt under the hood? Photo: Matt Dunbar/WSL
Kelly then sat under priority and did what he does best; swinging late on a west bowl bomb right under Medina – In classic Kelly no-grab-style, just managing to hold on to the take off and tuck under the lip to land himself in a cheering channel and earn a 9.73.
He didn’t wait around, quickly backing it up with a 9.33 to complete a heat score anyone would be proud of – and put Medina deep into combination. As Slater paddled back out, WSL reporter Strider Wasilewski said: “He had this look in his eyes that I haven’t seen in a really long time, if ever!”
Is Kelly still in his prime at 54? All the signs point to, he’s definitely not slowing down, even when staring down one of the most in-form surfers in the world, at solid 10ft+ Teahupo’o.
Kelly and Andy Irons had a fierce rivalry, stripped away before AI’s passing. Here, Kelly shares a moment with Lyndie Irons amongst the challenge of Teahupo’o.
Some call him “alien” others “freakish” but why is it that whenever the moment calls Slater doesn’t just deliver but takes it to a whole new level? Some would say he doesn’t have the same amount of pressure looming over him to perform compared to other full time CT competitors.
But I’d answer – as the GOAT he has a huge reputation to live up to and an even bigger weight on his shoulders to continue to show the world he’s worthy of this title. Yet, here he is, walking through the door, hanging his hat, sitting at the table,cleaning house and quietly exiting.
Turning attention to other great sporting achievements of people in their ‘older’ years. You have the likes of Phil Mickelson winning the 2021 PGA Championship at age 50, David Beckham wrapping up an amazing 21 year stint as professional footballer at the age of 38 to then go on and chase a career around the sport. Where Slater stands out from the rest is his commitment to keep challenging the current world’s best.
Kelly, as shown in the cover shot, just feeling it through. Photo: Matt Dunbar/WSL.
But also, to put himself in potentially life threatening positions to keep his legacy running. Golf lacks any sense of danger, sure football is a little more physical.But Teahupo’o is no joke, especially when it’s mutant haymakers swinging in from the Pacific. It’s claimed multiple lives, caused serious injuries, and is enough to make the majority of sea lovers feel quite content to be the ones sitting behind the screen with eyes wide and jaws dropped.
There’s more. Kelly’s a new father too. Parenthood can often shift people’s perspectives, especially in regard to risk taking. In his post heat interview Slater was asked “How much confidence do you have to go on and win this contest?” He answered: “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” Showing just how resilient Kelly’s head space is. I feel sorry for anyone who is going to have to cross paths with Kelly on his 2026 Tahiti campaign. As it stands he’s got his eyes on the target and is storming full speed ahead in one direction only.
So, are the goal posts in professional surfing moving? Is 50 the new 20? Quite obviously not, but if Kelly keeps going in the direction he’s going, maybe we’ll see some more of the Momentum Generation make a return. It’s definitely growing the stoke, showing the light, and creating the platform for this generation to feel inspired and keep performing well into and past their 5th decade walking this world. But let’s be honest, will anyone be able give Slater a run for his money?
Reminder: Even best laid plans can go to waste. Except waste here is dry, shallow reef that’ll take its pound of flesh. Photo: Matt Dunbar/WSL.
As for Kelly, he’s into Round 3 against Jack Robinson. Let’s see how far the GOAT can push it.
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