Kelly Slater, widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time, was honored with the prestigious Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on April 21. Slater, who holds a record 11 world titles and 56 event victories spanning four decades, has evolved into more than just a competitive force in the surfing world. His recent recognition underscores his extraordinary influence both in and out of the water.
Slater’s name is synonymous with longevity and excellence in sports. The 53-year-old Florida native, who began his professional career in the early 1990s, has not only conquered the world of surfing but has also become a global advocate for environmental causes. A staunch proponent of clean living, Slater’s focus on maintaining a drug-free, healthy lifestyle resonates with his admirers, particularly young fans who look up to him as a role model.
“I’ve lived a clean lifestyle, a drug-free lifestyle, and I’ve always been a proponent of being healthy and clean to young kids,” Slater said after receiving his award. “Aside from winning the 11 world titles, I’m proud that I believed I could do it and stuck to my guns.”
A Deep Connection to South Africa
While Slater hails from Florida, his connection to South Africa is deep-rooted in both his competitive career and his personal interests. Slater’s ties to the country date back to the 1990s when he competed in the now-defunct Gunston 500 in Durban, later becoming a fixture in the World Surf League’s events at Jeffreys Bay. The right-hand point break at J-Bay, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, has seen Slater win four times.
Despite stepping away from full-time competition, Slater still makes appearances at select events through sponsor invites, including the upcoming 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay in July. Slater confirmed in an interview in Madrid that he would be returning to surf Trestles in California in June, sponsored by his clothing brand, Outerknown.
Slater’s relationship with South Africa goes beyond surfing, however. Over the years, he has become involved in charitable efforts, particularly with the organization Surfers Not Street Children, which works to provide education and opportunities for disadvantaged youth in South Africa. Despite the changes he’s observed in the surf culture of Durban, Slater remains optimistic about the potential for change through charity.
Rising to the Challenge of Environmental Activism
While Slater’s competitive days may be behind him, his dedication to sustainability has become a central focus in his post-surfing life. He is deeply concerned about the growing issue of ocean plastic pollution, which he calls “a nightmare.” According to Slater, plastic waste is increasingly infiltrating the deep-sea ecosystems, threatening marine life and, eventually, food sources for humanity.
“The younger generations are more aware of environmental issues than ever before,” Slater said, expressing hope that technological innovations and creativity will lead to viable solutions for ocean pollution. He advocates for the removal of plastic from the oceans and urges society to rethink its use of plastic, which is inherently linked to the oil industry.
In line with his environmental beliefs, Slater founded Outerknown, a clothing brand focused on sustainable production practices. The brand emphasizes social compliance, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions for all involved in its production. While the prices for Outerknown’s products reflect these ethical practices, Slater believes it’s a small price to pay for a larger cause.
“We handpick the factories we work with,” Slater explained. “We make sure there’s no slave labor, everyone has a working living wage, and workers are not held against their will. Unfortunately for the customer, our prices reflect that. Textiles and workforce costs are higher when you prioritize ethics.”
Slater’s commitment to sustainability is evident in his approach to business, where quality and longevity are prioritized over mass production. He hopes to encourage consumers to buy fewer, but more durable items, ultimately reducing waste.
A Legacy Beyond the Waves
Despite retiring from full-time competition, Slater continues to be a significant force in both the sporting and environmental worlds. His dedication to sustainability, his advocacy for ocean conservation, and his commitment to ethical business practices have helped cement his legacy as not just a sporting icon, but a global ambassador for change.
As Slater looks toward the future, his role as a father and a business leader continues to shape his life. While he may no longer be chasing titles or points, his influence remains as powerful as ever, both on the waves and in the fight for a cleaner, healthier planet.
This article was first published in the Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, available nationwide for R35.