Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared on ASPWorldTour.com.
Slater dominance has been apparent in places like Fiji, where he has swept at the location over over the past four years running. Photo: ASP | Kirstin Scholtz
Kelly Slater (USA) has been surfing’s “next best thing” for the past three decades. It’s an accolade that has been earned both in and out of the jersey and an accomplishment that is unprecedented in all of sports. Now the 11-time World Champ heads to Fiji donning the yellow jersey once more. During the brief intermission between the Billabong Rio Pro and the Fiji Pro, Slater spoke with ASP about the road to Tavarua and lent some musings on the Tour and the surf culture at large.
#1 You sustained a number of injuries in 2013 and you obviously have had a lot going on in your life professionally at the start of this season regarding your recent split from Quiksilver. Do these types of things distract you from performing in heats or focus you further (the “wounded animal” theory)?
They’re both correct at times. I think mostly I’ve been distracted and not felt super confident so far this year. The good news is I’m in a pretty consistent position with all keepers, but the bad news is those numbers lie a little. When we throw events away, I slip back so I need to get a win soon to solidify. I still have some injuries. My hip and lower back are real issues for me but when the adrenaline kicks in that dissipates.
#2 Compared to the current ASP Top 34 field, what are the most dominant components of your surfing? Conversely, what are the most vulnerable components?
I think I’m vulnerable for sure at waves like Margaret’s and Bells and Rio so I’m happy with results in those places. My strengths have always been carving and barrels and in the early days I feel like I had an advantage at small beachbreaks because I grew up in that and it was my bread and butter. Traveling and searching for good waves, my priorities and excitement has changed and I feel like I am much better in what we’d typify as ‘dream waves’… good, barreling reef waves.
Slater launched this 10 point ride at Bells in the 2012 Final. The icon has won the event four times. Photo: ASP
#3 To that end, do you feel that, relative to other venues on tour, the opening third of the season didn’t favor you schedule-wise? How have you still managed to find yourself out in front at this juncture?
I didn’t like the sound of that first third going in, but felt if I could be in the running after those events that Fiji on would be a great place to make a move. These next four events are historically good for me. Inconsistent waves and closeout beachbreaks like Rio leave everyone open to being taken out unexpectedly by low seeds. Everyone has been vulnerable, but I’ve squeaked by a few close ones to stay out in front.
On a side note, I really think Fiji and Pipe and possibly Teahupo’o and/or J-Bay should be considered “Majors” for us and be given double points. Three or four events with 20,000 points for first. The money doesn’t matter; it’s the value for quality locations that should have an emphasis placed on it and the non-dream tour waves can stay, but take a back seat. There would then be a real impact from what everyone considers to be the best surf spots.
#4 Following your public split from Quiksilver, you lost a Round 1 heat in West Oz and one online commentator said, “He just looks like another old guy without stickers now?” Is there any credence to the ‘psychology of the sticker’ theory? In other words, after having one on your board for decades, does its absence create any self doubt?
It’s taken some getting used to. Imagine you have an army or a camp behind you to fight a battle and you’re not just fighting for yourself and then all of the sudden you show up solo (at least mentally because I still have my friends and backing) to go to battle. It’s a certain psychology for sure. But I feel like I found my feet in the end of that Rio event. Fiji is like my second home so the comfort should be there, I just gotta let it flow. It’s a new world for me. (laughs)
#5 The ASP has never had a leg like the one forthcoming–Fiji, Jeffreys Bay, Tahiti and Lower Trestles–all events that you’d still be considered the odds-on favorite at, and you’re leading the current rankings. How does that look to you? Should everyone else on tour be worried?
They should be ready. So should I. This is the best part of the tour and this stretch should determine who wins the title, in my opinion.
