Despite 11X World Championship Wins, Kelly Slater Makes a Rookie Mistake

Published 05/31/2023, 2:03 PM EDT

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In a surprising turn of events, legendary surfer Kelly Slater recently experienced a light-hearted mishap involving his surfboard. As an icon in the world of surfing, Slater’s relationship with his board is highly revered. These meticulously crafted boards are not just tools but rather extensions of his skill, experience, and unwavering passion for the sport.

The incident highlights the importance of double-checking equipment before hitting the water to ensure a seamless surfing experience. Through his candid sharing of experiences, Slater cultivates a deeper connection with his fans, reminding everyone that even legends have their lighthearted moments.

Kelly Slater’s surfing mishap highlights the importance of fins

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Kelly Slater took to his Instagram story to candidly share a basic mistake he made while preparing for a surf session. Admitting that he forgot to screw an essential part into his surfboard, Slater humorously stated, “Ever froth so hard you forget to screw your front fins.” He emphasized the significance of the accessory, as they are what give surfers precise control over the direction of their boards. A surfboard can become somewhat unpredictable without fins, especially on smaller waves.

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It was only after a disappointing wave ride that the 11x world champion realized the absence of the fins, leading him to say, “Then wonder why your board doesn’t work.” Slater’s self-awareness serves as a reminder to both beginners and experienced surfers that even the most enthusiastic and skilled individuals can overlook important details in the excitement of riding a wave. Despite the occasional mishap, Kelly Slater remains a guiding voice, offering invaluable advice on the essential principles of being a great surfer.

Embrace passion, competitiveness, and joy, to surf with purpose

Kelly Slater’s advice for surfers extends beyond the technicalities of the sport. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire to win, setting ambitious goals, and relentlessly pursuing them. In a conversation, with The Inertia, Slater expressed his thoughts on being a competitive spirit. ” If you’re trying to get better, you are competitive, even if it is with yourself. It helps you get even more better,” said the legendary surfer.

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MANLY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 20: Kelly Slater of the United States competes in his first heat of the Sydney Surf Pro at Manly Beach on March 20, 2019, in Manly, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Finding joy in the sport, even in small waves, is another key aspect of Slater’s philosophy. He urges surfers to cultivate a deep appreciation for the experience and to seek inspiration from the beauty and power of the ocean. ” I was inspired to go travel around the world and surf all these great tropical places. After going to so many places, the real inspiration comes from the pleasure of doing things”, Slater said in an interview with PTTOW.

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Kelly Slater’s surfing knowledge embraces a comprehensive perspective on both the activity and life in general. By embracing these do’s and don’ts, surfers can unlock their full potential, achieve their goals, and find fulfillment in their surfing journey.

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Written by:

Gincy Abraham

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One take at a time

Gincy Abraham, an accomplished sports news writer at EssentiallySports, has a profound passion for surfing and a talent for covering the latest developments in sports. With expertise in Olympic news, Gincy captures the essence of the global sporting event. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and years of experience as a news reporter, Gincy is always in pursuit to deliver accurate content religiously.
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Edited by:

Anupama Ghosh