Legendary surfer Kelly Slater is set to return to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) at Lower Trestles, California, marking a significant comeback on the 35th anniversary of his first career CT win at the same venue.
Slater, widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time, has been granted a wildcard entry into the upcoming event. His return comes after a largely quiet competitive season, during which he has not donned the CT jersey.
The 11-time world champion’s first CT victory came in 1990 at the Body Glove Surf Bout, held at Lower Trestles, when he was just 18 years old. That win marked the beginning of a storied professional career that has spanned more than three decades. Slater would go on to win the event six more times, with his most recent victory there in 2012 — the 50th CT win of his career.
Trestles holds deep significance in Slater’s legacy. It was the location that introduced him to the global stage, and it also served as the backdrop for Kelly Slater in Black and White, a seminal surf film that helped launch his commercial and cultural influence within the sport.
Despite his age — he turned 53 in February — Slater has continued to perform at a high level, particularly in heavier surf conditions where his experience and strategy often outmatch younger competitors. Although Lower Trestles is known for its high-performance waves that tend to favor younger, more agile surfers, Slater has reportedly been in strong form while training on Australia’s Gold Coast in recent weeks.
While some may question the competitive implications of a wildcard entry at this stage in his career, the symbolic nature of his return — tied to the anniversary of his breakout win — is difficult to overlook. It also comes as Slater continues to expand his role in the surf industry, including through his sustainable clothing brand, Outerknown.
Slater is expected to compete at Lower Trestles in the coming weeks, adding another chapter to an already legendary career. Whether this marks a swan song or a serious competitive bid remains to be seen, but fans and peers alike will be watching closely as the GOAT returns to the CT stage.