51-year-old Kelly Slater’s surfing genius has made him the greatest surfer ever. The 11-time world champion began chasing his dreams at age five while overcoming a tough childhood. Today, Slater is at a great place in life and his career, but he has not forgotten the people with whom he shared his sorrows. Recently, the Hawaiian native wished a dear friend on his birthday who was part of Momentum Generation, a tight-knit group with Slater in the 1990s.

On April 24, the legendary surfer took to his Instagram stories to wish his surfer friend Jun Jo on his 50th birthday. He also added a special message, telling Jo he is one of the best guys he knows. 

Kelly Slater’s special wish and his connection with Momentum Generation

A few hours ago, Kelly Slater reshared a video of his friend Jun Jo on his Instagram stories. It was originally posted by another surfer friend Rae Sojot who created a collection of videos of the birthday boy’s journey, as a surfer from a young age. Slater added his story in the video along with a heartwarming wish for Jun Jo. He wrote in his story, “Happy Hawaii 5-0 B-Day to my boy @junxjo, one of the best guys on this planet.”

Many might be unaware that during the 1990s, a new school crew of surf stars began hanging out together in a small house on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. They named their tight-knit group Momentum Generation. Many renowned surfers like Shane Dorian, Rob Machado, Kalani Robb, Ross Williams, Benji Weatherley, and Kelly Slater were core members of the group. Nevertheless, surfer Jun Jo was also one of its dear members. 

Read More: “As Real and Raw as You Can.”: After 11 Championships and 40 Years of Surfing, Kelly Slater Finally Spilled the Tea on Success Formula

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Most of these surfers had troubled childhoods; facing domestic violence and alcoholism. Hence, to bring positivity in each others’ lives, they religiously began spending days together at surfer Benji’s house. They would enthusiastically surf and chase the biggest waves. Unfortunately, in 1996, the group lost Benji’s house because the Weatherley family could not buy it from the house owner who offered to sell it for $300,000.

Kelly Slater’s once talked about his tough childhood

Growing up, Kelly Slater had a tough upbringing. In his latest series Make or Break, the champion surfer opened up about his childhood struggles. Slater revealed that his father abandoned the family when he was just two years old. In fact, his mother worked hard to raise him and his two brothers. Furthermore, Slater talked about how his father’s drinking habits affected him, “My father drinks a lot. It was painful for me. So I was pretty tense as a kid.”

However, amidst the tough situation at his home, Slater found solace while surfing. He decided that he would not give up on his dream and make the sport his life. Eventually, he was noticed by a local surfing community when he won his first contest at the age of 10. Finally, he rose to fame as he began winning championships and receiving more sponsorships.

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