When it comes to surfing, Kelly Slater needs no introduction. The legendary surfer has 11 World Surf League titles and 55 event titles to his name. He is still standing strong in his 50s. He is also the most decorated surfer in the world. The legend is way beyond his rivals, and there’s no one to clinch his title as the GOAT of surfing.

Back in 2019, Graham Bensinger interviewed Kelly Slater. Slater’s parents were very supportive, but there were a lot of problems too. It wasn’t always easy for the pro surfer to maintain a good family life, as he wasn’t financially strong back then.

Childhood of Kelly Slater

Growing up wasn’t easy for Kelly Slater. With a father that suffered from alcoholism, which also caused his parent’s divorce, his mother tried her best to do everything for Slater.

“You know I grew up we didn’t have much money,” Slater said and continued, “I wouldn’t necessarily classify us as poor but no we didn’t have any money to.” 
His family’s financial condition wasn’t favorable on his side. 

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“I mean my mom was scraping quarters together to get my lunch paid for it school most days you know and not much help from my dad,” Slater said. Without his mom, Slater wouldn’t have reached the position he is in right now. As his father suffered from alcoholism, he wasn’t of any help to his family. His mom raised three boys, including Slater and his two younger brothers.  

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His mom played the leading role in his life. But it wasn’t like he hated his father. Despite the issues they had, he still used to visit his dad sometimes.

The relationship between Slater and his dad

Kelly Slater had a love-hate relationship with his dad. He hated him because of his alcoholism, which eventually led to his parent’s divorce.

Even though his dad suffered from alcoholism, it wasn’t like he was an abusive person. He never abused them, but his habit of drinking beer the whole day ruined everything for him. In fact, he was a fun drunk dad, as per Slater.

Kelly Slater’s father died from cancer in 2002.

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What do you think of Kelly Slater’s family life? Do you think it would have been better if his father had always been by his side, as his mother was? Let us know in the comment section.