Regardless of age, is there anyone better at this wave? Photo: Heff//WSL
Every time we think we’ve seen the last of Kelly Slater in competition, he magically reappears and dons the jersey just one last time. Slater retirement rumors have been swirling around for so long that I don’t think I’ll ever believe them. As far as I’m concerned, Kelly will continue getting wildcards into his sixties.
The good news is we’ll get to see Slater competing one more time at Pipeline. It was announced that he will compete in the team-format Da Hui Backdoor Shootout on the “A New Earth Project” squad alongside Koa Smith, Kai Lenny, and Bethany Hamilton. The event window runs from January 4-16. A New Earth Project is promoting its sustainable packaging products.
Even as Slater ages and is years removed from a decent Championship Tour result, he still draws eyeballs like no other surfer. Everyone wants to watch Kelly surf Pipe.
It was just three years ago that Kelly won the Billabong Pipe Pro to kick off the 2022 WSL Championship Tour (CT) season. He’s crossed over into his fifties and has had a child since, but he’s still certainly capable of beating anyone anytime if Pipeline is offering big, heaving barrels.
Also, I would be shocked if we don’t see more of Slater beyond the Backdoor Shootout in 2025. He should be a shoo-in to get the wildcard for the CT stop at his new pool in Abu Dhabi in February. And I would bet he gets a wildcard or two at the back half of the season when the tour goes to J-Bay and Teahupo’o.
Here’s to watching Slater surf perfect Pipeline with only a few other surfers out – at least one more time.
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