Kelly Slater is a renowned professional American surfer. For his various achievements, Slater is regarded as a surfing legend for winning an incredible 11 World Surf League titles. This record also includes his five consecutive title wins from 1994 to 1998. The GOAT of surfing also owns the record of the youngest (20) and the oldest surfer (39) to win a WSL title.

Although surfing is a fun sport, it includes lots of dangers and difficulties. Being aware of one’s surroundings is an essential thing in surfing. Slater once reminisced about an unfortunate incident where he missed an opportunity to save someone’s life.

Kelly Slater recalls an unfortunate incident

Slater is no stranger to accidents and life-threatening situations on the beach. But surfers need to be aware of such dangerous situations and know about their surroundings.

Trending

Dale Jr Unmasks Teresa Earnhardt’s Refusal to Sell Him His Late Father’s Prized Possession That Forced Relocation Move

April 17, 2024 12:29 PM EDT

Restricted by NFL Contract, Simone Biles Reveals if Jonathan Owens Will Attend Paris Olympics 2024

April 17, 2024 09:03 PM EDT

Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series

April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT

Nike Will Not Enforce: Sha’Carri Richardson and Other US Track Women Will Have Freedom for Their Paris Olympics 2024 Outfit

April 15, 2024 08:06 PM EDT

After Team USA’s Defence for Nike, Sha’Carri Richardson and Athing Mu Flaunting Different Olympic Outfits Resurfaces

April 16, 2024 08:22 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Olympics stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

However, sometimes the situation is not under one’s control, and Slater learned this early in his career. In May, while chatting about surfing on the Grin Reapers podcast, Slater got candid with the hosts and recalled an unfortunate accident from his past. A 17-year-old Slater had gone to the beach with his friends for some downtime. “I missed one on my home break one day and this guy drowned right in front of me, and I didn’t even see it happening. He was underwater, so I didn’t hear it,” narrated Slater.

Slater’s friend, who was on the shore, tried to indicate to the surfer to help the drowning man, but Slater was unable to read his actions. He further added, “He was trying to help his step-daughter, and she lived and he drowned. The waves were like two-three feet, you know that it wasn’t big.”

Another one of Slater’s friends jumped into the ocean to save the man and pulled him out of the water. However, even after some on-the-spot treatment on the shore, the man did not survive. Slater was angry with himself for not noticing the accident occurring right in front of him and letting the man die.

“I’m All for the Legalization of Drugs”: 11X WSL Champ Kelly Slater Made a Bold Statement to Remove Social Stigma in 2016

“I was 17 at the time, and remember kicking myself for so long. I was like I would have saved the guy’s life without even struggling, like I would have given him my board and I would have swum him up,” recalled Slater. It was an unlucky accident, and Slater admitted that surfing isn’t always sunny and fun.

How did Slater start surfing?

The American surfing legend had first set out to surf at just five years of age. Soon Slater developed a love for the sport and decided to build a professional career in surfing.

In 1990, Slater began surfing professionally, but the surfer was not off to a good start. However, in a couple of years, he began winning major titles.

Watch This Story: Soon-to-be-married Simone Biles goes on a beach vacation with her parents and fiance Jonathan Owens

Slater came into the limelight after winning the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii in 1982, which helped him claim his first world title at just 20. Today, a 50-year-old Slater is still going strong. How long can he continue dominating the sport?