Getty
MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 22: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after surfing in Heat 10 of the Round of 32 at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro on April 22, 2023 at Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia. (Photo by Aaron Hughes/World Surf League via Getty Images)
Getty
MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 22: Eleven-time WSL Champion Kelly Slater of the United States after surfing in Heat 10 of the Round of 32 at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro on April 22, 2023 at Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia. (Photo by Aaron Hughes/World Surf League via Getty Images)
Kelly Slater is a perennial source of inspiration in the surfing world. The surfer has consistently pushed the boundaries in the sports world. From the pencil-thin, heavily rockered boards of the ’90s to his ongoing experimentation with innovative shapes, Slater is a trailblazer in surfboard evolution. His willingness to explore uncharted territory results in both hits and misses, emblematic of the trial-and-error nature of his pursuits.
Always forward-thinking, Slater’s latest creation, the Great White Twin, exemplifies his penchant for drawing inspiration from the natural world. After looking at various deadly shark attacks and getting inspired by one of his competitors? attacks, Slater has good news for all. But before chiming in for design, let’s take a look at what happened years ago?
Watch What’s Trending Now!
8 years ago, a story shook the internet
Kelly Slater is very aware of sharks’ deadly encounters and has been on a constant node to avoid or run from the danger zones. As per an NBC interview with Slater in 2015, Mick Fanning talked about a surreal encounter with a shark. To this, legend Slater openly shared his perspective on a shark attack involving his Australian competitor, Fanning.?
He adds, “It was surreal as I came onto the beach,” Kelly shared, describing the boats rushing to the lineup. Realizing a shark attack was underway, Kelly embraced Fanning afterward, expressing a mix of emotions. Reflecting, he admitted, “I’m halfway between crying and laughing.” Slater acknowledged the possibility of being in Mick’s shoes.
In another conversation, Slater commended Mick’s instincts, noting that his quick actions might have saved him. Slater empathized with Mick’s fear when facing the shark near the shore. Expressing gratitude, Kelly spoke warmly of safety personnel and praised Julian Wilson for bravely assisting Mick during the harrowing incident. The incident left a lasting impact on Slater, emphasizing the unpredictability of the ocean and the courage required in the face of danger. Taking inspiration from the incident, he came up with this design which has now made headlines.
What?s the perfect gift Kelly Slater has for the surfing world?
The new launch comes as the perfect surprise as compensation for the attack from Slater. His latest creation, the Great White Twin from Slater Designs, is set to hit the market on November 20. In a recent podcast, the 11-time world champ delves into the board’s inspiration and design journey.
He simply mentioned at the beginning of the podcast, ?It?s called the Great White because the outline is literally the template of a Great White shark?. Further, he added, partnering with shaper Mick Fanning Woo, Slater describes the collaboration as a “fun, goofy idea” that exceeded expectations from the first ride.
The fascination with sharks traces back to Slater’s earliest surfing days, with his inaugural board featuring an airbrushed “Jaws” poster. The Great White model introduces Volcanic Lamination, Slater Designs’ eco-friendly alternative to carbon lamination. Slater’s podcast provides a deeper dive into the board’s creation and its emergence as one of his all-time favorites. Surf shops and online platforms will carry the much-anticipated Great White model starting tomorrow, just in time for holiday shopping.
