Kelly Slater has shown the world what dominance looks like. With a surfing career spanning over 20 years, the 50-year-old legend has conquered every major international surfing event. As Kelly Slater turned 50 this year in February, The Inertia interviewed Kelly Slater’s mother Mrs. Judy Slater Lane to dive further into Kelly’s formative years. 

The world first saw the exceptional talent in 1992, when Slater won his maiden world champion title at the age of 20. There was no turning back for Slater after that as he became the greatest ever to play the sport. However, Slater’s closest aid never had high expectations from the legend. Here is what his mother shared!

Kelly Slater preferred boogie boards over hardboards

Judy Slater gave interesting insights into the early years of Kelly Slater. She confirmed that Kelly Slater developed an inclination toward the sport at a very early age and learned surfing at a tender age of five with his brother. People who knew him at that time used to admire the young surfer. However, his mother never thought that Slater would take up the sport seriously. “But I never thought of it as a sport,” she said to The Inertia. 

Slater’s mother explained the reason for not taking surfing seriously. Judy revealed that Slater was afraid of going onto the big boards. “Kelly learned to surf on a boogie board,” she informed. She further added that Kelly preferred surfing and practicing only on the small boogie board. 

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“Just Shows How Much of a Legend He Is!”: Mother-Son Saved From the Jaws of Death Couldn’t Help Heap Praise on World Champ Kelly Slater

She highlighted a hilarious instance when Kelly finally bought the hardboard but never used it enough. She joked, “he got a hard board that was the last time I saw him”

The contribution of Slater’s mother to his success

Kelly’s mother had financially struggled throughout her life to provide for her children. She has worked in distinct roles of maid, bartender, and heirloom seller to make her children’s dreams come true. She has been the closest observer of Slater’s journey and has seen his development from a rookie to a legend. 

The world has seen Kelly Slater’s never-ending hunger for winning and improving throughout his career. Judy revealed that Kelly had this attitude way before he started competing in professional events. She has been his constant companion throughout his journey. Judy’s guidance and trust in Slater’s skills have proved to be the source of inspiration for the surfing grandmaster. 

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