History of Kelly Slater in Timeline

Robert Kelly Slater is an American professional surfer widely considered the greatest of all time. He holds the record for most World Surf League championships with 11 titles and has won 56 Championship Tour victories. His dominance in the sport is unparalleled, as evidenced by his four Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year awards. Notably, Slater remains active in the World Surf League and continues to compete at an elite level, as demonstrated by his victory at the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the age of 49.

February 11, 1972: Birth of Kelly Slater

On February 11, 1972, Robert Kelly Slater was born. He would become a renowned professional surfer, widely regarded as the greatest of all time.

1984: First US Championship Title

At the young age of 12, Kelly Slater secured his first age-division United States championship title in 1984, showcasing his prodigious talent and setting the stage for an extraordinary career.

1987: Trip to Oahu and Impact of Brandon "Big Wave" Davis

In 1987, a trip to Oahu proved pivotal in Kelly Slater's surfing journey. He encountered massive waves and learned from experienced surfer Brandon "Big Wave" Davis, whose knowledge and poise left a lasting impact on Slater's approach to big-wave surfing.

1990: Turning Pro and Joining Bud Pro Tour

Kelly Slater embarked on his professional surfing journey in 1990, joining the Bud Pro Tour and making an immediate impact by winning his first contest.

1990: Sponsorship with Quiksilver

Kelly Slater secured a significant sponsorship deal with surfwear giant Quiksilver in 1990, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.

1990: Events of 1990

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 1990 are not provided in this excerpt.

1991: Kelly Slater Begins Full-Time Surfing Competition

In 1991, Kelly Slater began competing in professional surfing competitions full-time. This gave him the opportunity to compete against his idol, Tom Curren, the first American surfer to win a World Title.

1991: Struggles and Lessons on the Championship Tour

In 1991, Slater faced challenges during his first year on the Championship Tour, finishing 43rd in the world rankings. This experience provided valuable lessons as he adjusted to the demands of professional surfing.

1992: First World Title and Youngest Champion

At just 20 years old, Kelly Slater achieved a historic milestone in 1992 by winning his first World Title, becoming the youngest surfing world champion ever after securing victories in France and at the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii.

1992: Events of 1992

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 1992 are not provided in this excerpt.

1993: Setbacks and Determination

Slater experienced a setback in 1993, finishing sixth in the world rankings. However, this fueled his determination to reclaim his position at the top.

1993: Events of 1993

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 1993 are not provided in this excerpt.

1994: Beginning of Dominant Reign

From 1994 to 1998, Kelly Slater embarked on an unprecedented run of dominance, winning five consecutive world titles and solidifying his status as a surfing icon.

1994: Events of 1994

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 1994 are not provided in this excerpt.

1994: Beginning of Slater's Five Consecutive World Titles

The year 1994 marked the beginning of Kelly Slater's reign as he embarked on an unprecedented streak, winning five consecutive World Surf League titles.

1995: Events of 1995

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 1995 are not provided in this excerpt.

1996: Shane Beschen's Perfect Score

In 1996, American surfer Shane Beschen made history by achieving the first perfect score in professional surfing history under the ASP's previous three-wave scoring system.

1996: Birth of Daughter, Taylor

Kelly Slater's daughter, Taylor, was born in 1996. Her mother is Tamara Mitchell.

1996: Events of 1996

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 1996 are not provided in this excerpt, however, this is the year his daughter, Taylor, was born.

1997: Surpassing Mark Richards' Record

In 1997, Slater's fifth world title win propelled him past Australian surfer Mark Richards, establishing him as the most successful male champion in surfing history.

1997: Events of 1997

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 1997 are not provided in this excerpt.

1998: Break from Competitive Surfing

After an incredible five-year winning streak, Slater decided to take a break from competitive surfing at the end of 1998, seeking new challenges and experiences outside the competitive arena.

1998: Formation of The Surfers and Album Release

Kelly Slater's passion for music led him to form the band The Surfers in the mid-1990s with Rob Machado and Peter King. The trio released the album "Songs from the Pipe" in 1998, showcasing their musical talents alongside their surfing prowess.

1999: Appearance in Garbage's "You Look So Fine" Music Video

In 1999, Kelly Slater appeared in the music video for Garbage's single "You Look So Fine," showcasing his charisma and expanding his presence beyond the realm of surfing.

2002: Return to the World Pro Tour

After a three-year hiatus, Kelly Slater returned to the world pro tour in 2002, eager to compete at the highest level once again and continue his pursuit of surfing excellence.

2002: Release of "Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer" Video Game

Kelly Slater's influence extended to the gaming world in 2002 with the release of "Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer," a video game developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, allowing fans to experience the thrill of surfing virtually.

2003: First X-Games Gold Medal

Kelly Slater's competitive spirit and versatility were on full display in 2003 when he won his first gold medal at the X-Games, showcasing his ability to excel in different action sports arenas.

2004: Second Consecutive X-Games Gold Medal

Slater continued his dominance at the X-Games in 2004, winning his second consecutive gold medal and solidifying his reputation as a multi-talented athlete.

May 2005: First Surfer to Achieve Two Perfect Scores

In a groundbreaking performance at the Billabong Tahiti Pro in May 2005, Kelly Slater became the first surfer to receive two perfect scores, totaling 20 out of 20 points, under the ASP two-wave scoring system.

2005: Relationship with Gisele Bündchen Begins

Kelly Slater began dating supermodel Gisele Bündchen in 2005.

July 7, 2006: Performance with Pearl Jam

Slater's musical collaborations extended to the grunge scene when he performed "Rockin' in the Free World" with Pearl Jam during a concert in San Diego on July 7, 2006.

August 1, 2006: Performance with Ben Harper

Kelly Slater joined musician Ben Harper on stage during a concert in Santa Barbara on August 1, 2006, showcasing his musical versatility and love for performing.

2006: Relationship with Gisele Bündchen Ends

Kelly Slater and Gisele Bündchen's relationship ended in 2006.

2007: First Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award

In 2007, Kelly Slater received his first Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award, recognizing his exceptional achievements in surfing.

2007: Breaking Tom Curren's Record

Kelly Slater achieved a historic milestone in 2007 by surpassing his childhood hero, Tom Curren, to hold the record for most career event wins.

2007: Relationship with Cameron Diaz

Kelly Slater was in a relationship with actress Cameron Diaz in 2007.

2008: Slater's 2008 World Championship

Kelly Slater continued his reign of dominance in the surfing world by claiming the 2008 World Championship title, earning a total of 8,832 points.

2008: Events of 2008

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 2008 are not provided in this excerpt.

2009: Kelly Slater's 2009 Competition Highlights

During the 2009 competitive season, Kelly Slater showcased his surfing prowess with notable victories at the Hang Loose Pro in Brazil and a second-place finish at the Billabong Pipeline Masters.

2009: Second Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award

Kelly Slater's dominance continued as he won his second Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award in 2009, further solidifying his status as a legend.

May 8, 2010: US House of Representatives Honor

The United States House of Representatives formally recognized Kelly Slater's achievements on May 8, 2010, with H. Res. 792, honoring him for his contributions to surfing, his role as an ambassador for the sport, and his positive influence as a role model.

2010: Slater's 2010 Competition Run

In 2010, Kelly Slater continued to dominate the surfing scene with wins at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles, and the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico.

2010: 2010 World Champion

Kelly Slater was crowned World Champion in 2010, amassing a total of 69,000 points, a testament to his exceptional skills and consistency.

2010: Events of 2010

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 2010 are not provided in this excerpt.

November 6, 2011: Slater's Eleventh ASP World Title

On November 6, 2011, Kelly Slater secured his eleventh ASP World Title at the Rip Curl Pro Search in San Francisco, solidifying his status as a surfing legend.

2011: Slater's Dominant 2011 Season

2011 was a remarkable year for Slater, marked by victories at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, the Nike Pro US Open, the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, and the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles.

2011: 2011 World Champion

Kelly Slater claimed the World Champion title in 2011, accumulating an impressive 68,100 points throughout the season.

2011: Third Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award

Slater's impact transcended surfing, earning him a third Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award in 2011, a testament to his global influence.

2011: Events of 2011

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 2011 are not provided in this excerpt.

2012: Fourth Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award

In 2012, Kelly Slater etched his name in history by receiving his fourth Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year Award, an unprecedented achievement.

2012: Slater's 2012 Competition Results

Throughout 2012, Kelly Slater participated in various surfing competitions, securing victories at the Volcom Fiji Pro and the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles.

June 2013: Slater's Second Set of Two Perfect Scores

In June 2013, Kelly Slater etched his name in surfing history once again by achieving his second set of two perfect ten waves during the quarter-finals of the Volcom Fiji Pro, becoming only the fourth person to ever accomplish this feat.

2013: Notable Performances in 2013

In 2013, Kelly Slater showcased his competitive prowess with impressive performances, including a 1st place finish at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast and the Volcom Fiji Pro.

2013: Brand Ambassador for The Chia Company

Slater became a brand ambassador for The Chia Company, an Australian-based company promoting the nutritional benefits of chia seeds, in 2013. This partnership aligned with Slater's interest in health and wellness.

2013: Events of 2013

Specific details about Kelly Slater's life and career in 2013 are not provided in this excerpt.

April 1, 2014: Departure from Quiksilver and Founding of Outerknown

On April 1, 2014, Kelly Slater made a significant decision to part ways with Quiksilver after a two-decade partnership. He then co-founded Outerknown, an eco-friendly and sustainable apparel company, demonstrating his commitment to environmental responsibility.

2014: Acquisition of Firewire Surfboards

In 2014, Kelly Slater made a strategic move by acquiring Firewire Surfboards, a company known for its innovative designs and sustainable practices, aligning with Slater's own values.

2014: Launch of Outerknown

In 2014, driven by his passion for environmental sustainability, Kelly Slater launched Outerknown, an apparel brand committed to using recycled materials and ethical production practices. This venture reflected his desire to merge his surfing lifestyle with his values.

2014: Launch of Purps Beverage Company

Kelly Slater's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Purps, a beverage company focused on healthy and functional drinks, in 2014. This venture reflected his interest in promoting well-being and healthy lifestyles.

2015: Riding Unlabeled Firewire Boards

Slater sparked curiosity and speculation in 2015 when he was spotted riding unlabeled Firewire surfboards, hinting at his growing involvement with the brand.

2016: Launch of Slater Designs

Kelly Slater's influence on surfboard design reached new heights in 2016 with the launch of his own line of boards, Slater Designs, in collaboration with Firewire.

2016: WSL Acquires Stake in Kelly Slater Wave Company

The success of Slater's decade-long experiment to create the perfect inland wave pool, known as Wave Pool, culminated in a significant investment in 2016 when the World Surf League (WSL) acquired a majority stake in the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC). This acquisition marked a turning point in the evolution of artificial wave technology and its potential to revolutionize the sport.

February 2017: Controversy Over Shark Cull Proposal

In February 2017, Kelly Slater and fellow surfer Jérémy Florès sparked controversy by advocating for a daily cull of bull sharks on Réunion Island following a series of shark-related fatalities. This proposal drew criticism from environmentalists, highlighting the complex issues surrounding human-wildlife interactions.

August 2017: Expansion of Slater Designs Range

By August 2017, the Slater Designs range within Firewire had expanded to include four distinct models: Gamma, Cymatic, Omni, and Sci-fi, catering to a range of surfing styles and preferences.

September 19, 2017: WSL Test Event at Kelly Slater Surf Ranch

On September 19, 2017, the WSL held a test event at the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch in California, featuring prominent surfers like Filipe Toledo, Mick Fanning, and Gabriel Medina.

November 2017: WSL Acquires Land for Surf Ranch Florida

In November 2017, WSL purchased an 80-acre property in Palm Beach County, Florida, for $6.5 million with the intention of developing Surf Ranch Florida.

2018: WSL Founders Cup at Kelly Slater Surf Ranch

In 2018, the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch hosted the WSL Founders Cup, a unique competition featuring five teams representing different regions.

2019: Oldest Surfer with a Ten-Point Ride

At the 2019 Billabong Pipe Masters, Kelly Slater, at the age of 47, demonstrated his enduring skill by becoming the oldest surfer to execute a ten-point ride in a World Surf League competition.

2019: WSL Cancels Surf Ranch Florida Project

In 2019, WSL announced the cancellation of the Surf Ranch Florida project due to unforeseen challenges, including high groundwater levels.

2022: Eighth Pro Pipeline Title

Three decades after his first win, Kelly Slater showcased his enduring talent and passion for surfing by claiming his eighth Pro Pipeline title at the Pipe Masters in Hawaii in 2022.

2023: Announcing Olympic Aspirations

In 2023, Kelly Slater announced his intention to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to competing at the highest level.