Kelly Slater 2005 ASP World Champion title :ASPWorldtour/Karen 

Surfers Interviews

One-on-One with Kelly Slater: Slater's life path comes in waves

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 19 December, 2005 : - - After winning his seventh surfing world championship, Kelly Slater returned to his alma mater, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High, to a hero's homecoming. The 33-year-old Slater was bombarded with autograph requests, and almost every student at the school wanted to shake his hand or just get a glimpse of the world-famous native.

During an interview with the Verge's Alannah Nic Phaidin, Slater discussed his love for surf and other passions.

Q: Why do you keep coming back to Cocoa Beach?
A: I was born in Cocoa Beach. I've lived my life here, I went to Roosevelt Elementary. I actually keep coming back to beat my friends in bowling and air hockey, but usually it doesn't work out that way.

Q: How does it feel to win the World Championship for the 7th time?
A: Great. I've really worked hard for it. I came really close two years ago. It was hard to lose when I had come so close. This year, everything fell into place.

Q: Are you going for an eighth title?
A: I'm not sure yet. Part of me is happy where I am. I always wanted to leave on a high. If my heart's into it, then maybe, but there are other things that I want to do that I can't while I'm doing this (surfing) full time.

Q: Did you know how far surfing was going to take you in life?
A: I didn't really know how far, but I knew it was going to be my life's path.

Q: What type of sports do you like to play, other than surfing?
A: I love to golf. I have a 5 handicap. I like to fish. My dad owned a bait and tackle shop.

Q: Who were your main mentors as a teen that encouraged you the most?
A: I had the support of my parents. That definitely allowed it all to happen, but my brother and I always were competing, so that made me really competitive.

Q: How do you think about your celebrity today?
A: Hopefully as someone who is setting a good example. I don't really think about it much. I don't want to be someone who seems out of touch or unapproachable.

Q: What is your favorite surfing event when you were young?
A: I was 12 and got slammed on the reefs but I was 17 or 18 before I got really comfortable with it (surfing). My first competition was with the National Kidney Foundation in 1980 when I was 8.

Q: What were your goals when you were a teenager?
A: I really didn't have any other goals, but I did well in school in case it didn't work out. But I was focused so much on surfing, I knew that was what I wanted to do.

Q: What would you recommend for anyone who wanted to follow in your footsteps?
A: Anyone who wants to do something needs to focus on it without questioning it.

Q: Do you support Relay for Life?
A: My father passed away from cancer 31/2 years ago, so it's definitely dear to my heart and my family. So if you have some extra time or some money, please donate and help find a cure.

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Allannah Nic Phaidin / Florida today

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