It’s been 30 years since Kelly Slater’s first win at Bells Beach.
And now, three decades later, it looks like the 52-year-old greatest-of-all-time, most winning competitive surfer in history is finally planning his dénouement.
Following a loss in the Round of 32 on Saturday to Hawaii’s Barron Mamiya, Slater indicated that it was likely his last appearance at Bells as a full-time competitor.
Slater said:
“This is likely my last Bells. If I don’t win at Margaret’s, this will be my last one. I’m just trying to enjoy it and have fun. Coming down to Bells is always magical. I’ve been coming for a number of decades. It was my first event as a full-time competitor on the world Tour.”
There’s long been speculation as to when Slater would finally hang up the jersey. He is the oldest surfer on Tour by a long shot. And this year, with a baby on the way, and not qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics, it looks like, finally, his time has come.
Reflecting further on the importance of Bells Beach on his storied career, Slater continued:
Related: Kelly Slater Talks Incoming Baby Boy with Partner Kalani Miller (Video)
“Some of the most memorable ones were when I rang the Bell. To have a Bell at your house is an honor, and I was fortunate enough to win four. I did want to do well in this event.
“I’m trying to enjoy these events, enjoy the people, the friendships, and the memories. Reading all the names that have won here, a lot of them being my heroes, all the greats in surfing have won this event.
“I’ll enjoy Margaret’s for what it is, and I’m not gonna try to push it too much. I’m super appreciative of this life I’ve had. This whole career has been really fun. We’ll see, though. I’ll pitch out for a couple of wildcards.”
Photo: WSL/Ed Sloane
The Western Australia Margaret River Pro kicks off April 11th-21st. Will Slater make the retirement announcement official then? Stay tuned.
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