Kelly Slater with the locals at the local : photo Matt Britton

If you're Irish ......................

All time greatest world champion visits Donegal Bay!

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 23 October, 2006 : - - Kelly Slater, recently crowned world champion surfer for the 8th. time and regarded as the greatest ever surfer, took some time out from the glitz and glamour to chill out in the Donegal Bay region last weekend. After winning the world championship last week in Spain, Slater chose the quieter regions of Donegal and the North West to catch some of our world renowned waves with some friends.

Apart from his undisputed surfing ability, Slater is also well known as an actor , having made regular appearances on the world’s most watched television show,’ Baywatch’ and is also an accomplished musician. His band ‘The Surfers’ have recently signed for a major music label and he has appeared live on stage with ‘Pearl Jam’ Of course, he is also well known for his past relationship with Pamela Anderson who, unfortunately , did not grace the shores of Donegal.

Kelly was accompanied by his long time friend, Andy Keegan, a surfer in his own right but more known for his movies and television shows-; ‘Seventh Heaven’ Thunder Road, Ten Things I hate most about you’ etc. Andy is currently working on a new movie in Ireland- ‘Waiting for Dublin’ Once engaged to singer, LeeAnn Rimes, Andy really enjoyed his time in Donegal and intends to spend some more time up here whilst filming in Ireland.

Along with Quicksilver’s Gabe Davies and Bundoran’s Richie Fitzgerald, Slater displayed his skills for the Innis Films production ‘Waveriders’ currently being shot in the Bundoran region. ‘ The waves weren’t great this weekend but this guy made the slightest ripple look world class’ said Joel Conroy. ‘This is, without doubt, the biggest endorsement Donegal Bay will ever get for its surf quality. To put it in perspective, one could liken it to Tiger Woods spending the weekend on Bundoran Golf Club’ he added. ‘ ‘His presence in the movie will greatly enhance not only the film, but also the reputation of Donegal as a top fun, quality surf destination worldwide’ he concluded.

Slater blended well into the local surfing community-caught some waves with Easkey and Becky Britton from Rossnowlagh, and Aaron Murphy and Eoin Shanley from Bundoran-all future Irish prospects.  On Friday evening he enjoyed some traditional Irish hospitality, taking in a few drops of the black stuff to the sounds of a great Irish trad session in a local pub. The trip was a great break from the flashing lights of the paparazzi and Slater really enjoyed ‘just being one of the lads in search of a good break ‘

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Matt Britton

Team News - Surfersvillage