Before the Paris Olympics steals the spotlight, the other games have also promised to make the most of their abilities to whip up the internet. One out of the 10 Tour stops of the World Surf League 2024 Championship Tour season has just concluded. The opening day at the Banzai Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii had the 11x WSL champ Kelly Slater at the focal point. 

With 56 Championship victories under his belt, Slater is inarguably the best surfer in the surfing realm. Being the oldest in the World Surf League has fueled his dream of bagging more accolades. Considering his popularity, a little break from the core sport amid the adrenaline-fueled Pipe Pro season wouldn’t hurt.

What’s in store for Slater on his birthday?

Before any event makes an entry, it’s the 51-year-old Hawaii native’s birthday on February 11. With just 6 days in hand, global fans are set to not only cherish Slater’s illustrious surfing career but also his life in general. We’re ready to explore the environmental, philanthropic, and media celebrity side of him, but more excited is Surf Radio, a surfing enthusiast, who posted an Instagram story with a fun caption. The lines read, “Hi there, just letting you know starting tomorrow page will be just about Da (goat) in honor of his 52th birthday next sunday . This time, aside surfing, the focus will also be personal experiences and funny moments”. But what caught more attention was Slater’s response, “also will be a good escape from the avalanche of Pipe Pro posts.” 

Surrounding Filipe Toledo’s withdrawal from the competition, several enthusiasts have questioned Toledo’s dedication to the sport. After all these, a little time off fan expectations and smashing records looks like a good option to the 51-year-old. Since his ninth finish at the Tahiti Pro last August, Kelly Slater was on a healing journey. Not in his ‘top form’, Kelly Slater still gave his best.

Return of Kelly Slater to the Pipeline

Having undergone a hip surgery recently, Slater thought of being back with not his best but a strong self. He said, “I’m definitely not in top form, but I can still tube ride and go straight, I keep telling people”. 

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Eight- to ten-foot waves tried to crush Slater’s confidence, but couldn’t. The ‘Outerknown’ owner, always sporting peak sportsmanship, voiced, “As far as performance surfing, I don’t know if I’d be anywhere near ready right now, but tube riding, let’s go!” Always getting drawn towards Pipeline, Kelly Slater’s next heat will be in the opening heat of the Round of 32.

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