Kelly Slater is one of the most gifted surfers of all time. But what many people may not know is that Slater developed his love for surfing in the most unfortunate circumstances during his childhood. Born in Cocoa Beach, Florida in 1972, Slater had a tough upbringing. He has risen to stardom after fighting some of the toughest battles of life. The discussions around his early struggles grabbed people’s attention after the release of the second season of the “Make or Break” surfing series. 

The 11x WSL champion has been the biggest source of motivation for aspiring surfers. And his recent conversation about childhood proves why. 

The complicated childhood of Kelly Slater

Slater has faced some of the most difficult challenges in his childhood. His father abandoned the family when he was just two years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his two brothers on her own. In the first episode of the Make or Break series, Slater opened up about the tough time. 

“I give up in a broken home with all the crazy drama.”, Slater revealed. His father’s drinking habits made the situation worse for him. “My father drinks a lot. It was painful for me. So I was pretty tense as a kid.”, he further added in the episode.  However, the cruel conditions gave him an escape in the form of surfing. Money was tight, and Slater’s mother worked hard to make ends meet. But despite the challenges they faced, Slater found solace in the ocean. Slater was determined to find a way to surf.

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As Slater’s surfing skills developed, he started to gain attention from the local surfing community. He won his first contest at the age of 10 and quickly became known as a rising star in the sport.

Slater chose not to give up on his dreams

Despite the challenges he faced, Slater’s love for surfing continued to grow. He competed in local contests throughout his teenage years and eventually caught the attention of professional surfers and sponsors. He turned pro at the age of 18 and quickly rose to the top of the sport, winning his first world championship in 1992.

Today, Slater is widely regarded as one of the greatest surfers of all time. He has won 11 world championships, competed in countless contests, and become a global ambassador for the sport. But his success is a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

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Kelly Slater’s childhood may have been marked by financial struggle and family hardship, but his love for surfing helped him find a sense of purpose and direction. Through hard work and perseverance, he turned his passion for surfing into a successful career and a lifelong legacy. His story is a great example of perseverance and the importance of following your dreams, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.