Watch: Kelly Slater Reflects on His Championship Tour Career

Originally posted on SURFER | By Zander Morton | Last updated 4/16/24

Immediately following his elimination from the Margaret River Pro, Slater's post heat interview was understandably raw. You could see him processing his emotions in real time.

A few hours later, after the contest ended, Slater joined the WSL post show with Richie Lovett and Joe Turpel to pause and reflect on the greatest competitive career in the history of surfing.

While these post shows are often an afterthought, this one is a must watch. While you can tell his emotions are still a bit raw, Slater is incredibly balanced, transparent, and thoughtful, especially considering the circumstance.

"Yeah, a lot of emotion today," Slater starts off, after Turpel awkwardly calls it a "special" day. Maybe not the best word choice, Joe? "I look back at some of my friends who have retired, and I can relate, or maybe they can relate, to how I'm feeling now. Just some relief.

"The sleepless nights, with the pressure...I put a lot of pressure on myself to this day. For heats I have a certain expectation of myself and, you know, I haven't been putting in the work, discipline, and the hours in the water....I did that for so long, and it's nice to have that slightly in the rearview at this point."

The interview continues for 20 minutes and hits on many different subjects and perspectives.

For Slater fans (that's everyone, right?), this is very much worth your time.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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