Just imagine if Watanabe’s parents gave him Kelly Slater for a middle name, and then he didn’t grow up to like surfing.
That would have been awkward.
Fortunately, Taro Kelly Slater Watanabe not only fell in love with surfing at a young age, he also blossomed into one of the most stylish surfers in the world today. Makes you wonder: if his eye-pleasing approach can’t be taught, maybe it can be engrained in a name? He’s still competing on the Challenger Series, but he’s someone we’d love to watch on the Championship Tour if he can battle through the CS slog.
In the meantime, click play above to watch Watanabe surgically take apart Malibu. It’s hard enough to get a wave out there, much less surf it with perfect speed and precision. Check the high speed grabrail reverse at 1:16. Who saw that coming?
His parents (and Kelly Slater) must be proud.
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