‘Super happy’: Sun sets on surfing GOAT Kelly Slater’s career
Kelly Slater, 52, is welcoming a child and probably saying farewell to Bells Beach and professional surfing. ‘It’ll be a little bittersweet and there will be a little sadness’.
The G.O.A.T is nearly a goner. Kelly Slater is welcoming a child and probably saying farewell to Bells Beach and professional surfing. The 52-year-old regarded as the greatest in history won his opening heat at the Rip Curl Pro on Tuesday before revealing the sun is setting on his legendary career.
“Super-happy,” Slater said while his pregnant partner, Kalani Miller, stood nearby. “Having my second child, Kalani’s first. Having a little boy this summer, winter in Australia – we’re having him in Hawaii. It’s been fun to keep it secret from everybody for a long time. We kept it secret from family for months. Then one by one we were telling friends, kind of filming their reactions and stuff … it’s been a fun time.”
Slater has a 27-year-old daughter, Taylor, from a previous relationship. He won his first Bells title 30 years ago and admits this is probably goodbye. He’s in grave danger of missing the WSL’s mid-season cut at Margaret River next month. That will definitely spell the end for the unrivalled 11-time world champion.
“I haven’t made an announcement but I’m going to wrap this thing up pretty soon,” Slater said after posting 11.67 points to defeat Hawaiians John John Florence (10.84) and Seth Moniz (five).
Which sounded like an announcement. “Well, I didn’t give a time,” Slater grinned. “It’s probably my last Bells. I’m not a hundred per cent. I mean, if I win this one or Margarets, I earn my way back on tour next, but other than that I’m fine if it’s my last one. Thirty years since I won my first. It would be kind of a nice bookend. I do love coming down here. Bells isn’t one of my favourite waves but Bells is one of my favourite events. Just the experience. Walking down, hearing the song (AC/DC’s Hells Bells) in the morning when it starts, staying with the family I have for so long. It’ll be a little bittersweet and there will be a little sadness when I’m not coming back for the event.”
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