Kelly Slater is a legend who needs no introduction to the surfing world. The 11-time World Surf League (WSL) champion has cemented his place in surfing lore by setting several records and competing in the sport even into his 50s. It’s not often that a young surfer receives praise from the sport’s living great, Kelly Slater, but the 16-year-old who has just made a name for himself in the sport has done exactly that.

A 16-year-old surfer known as Ned Hart shreds the Shipstern Bluff, or the Shippes’ big waves, in a recent Instagram video shared by Tracks Magazine. Kelly Slater himself commented on the video, praising the surfer’s outstanding abilities, and helping propel the surfer into a viral sensation.

Now that’s a rare sight to behold

It’s not every day that the legend of the surfing arena stops by a video to share his insights. Kelly Slater, on the other hand, recognized this young surfer’s talent when he made his debut in Tasmania’s big waves. Riding these waves is difficult since they have the potential to reach heights of over 70 feet. This 16-year-old surfer, however, had no trouble at all with the Shipstern Bluff, also known as the Shippes and notoriously known as “Devil’s Point” for its high rate of wipeouts.

“Kelly as a Uncle Must Be the Coolest”: Young Potential Superstar Rips With the Best and Surfing Fans Can’t Keep Calm

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In the caption of the post, Track Magazine wrote, “How about this mind-blowing effort by 16-year-old @ned_hart at Shippes on Sunday? That’s gotta be a 10/10 for the airdrop into tube combo.” The young surfer, not only finished the wave correctly but also performed several tricks and avoided a wipeout. This was a huge gamble, yet Ned Hart handled it like it was his turf. These skills were also acknowledged by Slater, who left a comment that read, “Such a rad ride.” Hart replied to the legend, “Thanks so much Kelly, stoked you watched it.” 

The surfing community was close behind to congratulate

Who wouldn’t be ecstatic if a surfing icon like Kelly Slater recognized a young superstar? The fans made it their mission to make Ned Hart happy and stoked, to catch the next huge wave every time he checked the comments.

Although it was a debut for Hart, it looks like the viewers already want him to take away a world title, as a comment read, “Can we just give him a World Title now?” The excitement rippled through the comment section. One remark read, “10/10? That’s the best technically ridden wave I’ve seen at shippies!”.

The young surfer evidently stunned many people in the surfing community with his skills, as one comment read, “No fricking way, that was mental!” As if the world title wasn’t enough for his feat, a fan demanded to give Hart another title, saying, “Get this kid an Olympic medal.”

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Ned Hart has shown the surfing world that it is possible to confidently ride waves of this size at his age. He has also encouraged new and young surfers to test their skills in these demanding environments.