World-famous surfer Kelly Slater has had a glorious career. With multiple titles and prizes, Slater is the best at what he does. However, the surfer received a lot of flak for starring in Baywatch (1989) which made him want to ‘smash’ people’s faces. Although Slater experienced a low point after doing the show, he later realized that it drove his competitive spirit.

Kelly Slater was accused of branding the surfing culture in the series Baywatch. Due to criticism and accusations, the young surfer had to leave the show after doing just 27 episodes.

How did Kelly Slater develop his competitive spirit?

Before signing on to Baywatch, Slater expected he would receive a positive response from the audience. Contrary to his expectations, the surfer only pushed himself to deal with the hate. According to Kelly, the incident drove him competitively to become better because he “got a lot of crap for it.”

During an interview with Surf Today, Slater shared the low points that he went through during his Baywatch phase. He felt victimized for being made fun of and could not do much to stop the brutal backlash. The only thing that Slater could do was to be patient. However, he did feel angry at people for constantly dragging him and making him feel inferior. He shared in the interview:

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“I would just think in my head: ‘this guy’s thinking about Baywatch; he wants to make fun of me. I am going to smash him in the heat.'”

Read More: “Was So Embarrassed”: American Surfing Legend Once Opened Up on His Terrible Experience Starring in Baywatch

Slater eventually turned his low point into his strength. He channelled his aggression as a fuel that drove his competitive spirit.

What was Kelly Slater’s role on Baywatch?

Slater played the role of a recurring character Jimmy Slade on Baywatch. He appeared in 27 episodes starring as a talented surfer and the love interest for a character named Summer.

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Slater never wanted to be an actor in the first place. It was his mother and manager who forced him to sign up for the series.  He did admit that he was sensitive as a person, and so he remembered everything that people called him out for.

Have you watched Slater in Baywatch? Tell us what you think in the comments.