It was almost fitting that the current world number 1 had to bring the curtain down on the greatest career in surfing history.
Kelly Slater, the 11-time world champion, chose to give Griffin Colapinto a hug as the clock ticked down in their round of 32 heat at the Margaret River Pro on Tuesday with a final miracle escape past the 52-year-old legend.
Slater needed a win in WA to survive the mid-season break. After surviving an elimination heat during Main Break on Tuesday morning, he found current ranking leader Colapinto too much to handle.
Slater was sent off the beach and onto the stairs to loud cheers, with a high five from compatriot Colapinto along the way, before revealing he had asked for a wildcard into the next event in Fiji because he didn’t want to finish. on a wave that had never been kind to him.
The 52-year-old surfing legend struggled to keep his emotions in check after being knocked out of the Margaret River Pro on Tuesday
Slater was chaired from the beach in what is almost certainly his last ever event as a professional surfer
“It’s so much emotion for so long, so much dedication,” he said, choking back tears.
“It’s not all roses, you know? But it has been the best time of my life.
‘My family is at home watching, I love you.
“This week I wasn’t really able to pull off a miracle, but I’ve pulled off a few over the years.
“I still had that hope, you know? One might pop up with a minute to go.
“But to lose to No. 1, you know Griff [Griffin Colapinto] is the number 1 guy, I’ve been good friends with Griff for a long time.
‘So I avoid that emotion a bit, because it all bubbles up well.
“But it hit me at sunset [Hurley Pro Sunset Beach] this year [where Slater first said he was questioning whether to retire].’
Eleven-time WSL champion Kelly Slater gave it his all in his final competitive event at the Margaret River Pro in Western Australia
Slater dominated surfing like no other during his three decades on tour, but said the time was right to move on with a baby due in three months.
“It’s been an incredible lifetime of memories,” he said.
Australian surfing champion Mick Fanning led a chorus of tributes to Slater, praising him for inspiring a generation of surfers.
“Congratulations on such an incredible career,” Fanning wrote.
‘What you have done for surfing is unparalleled. Pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
‘The dedication to your craft inspired everyone to be better.
“Thank you for all the memories and fights. It was truly an honor to share heats, surfs and experiences over the years.
“You taught me what it takes to become a champion, both in and out of the water.
“I wish you all the best for your future and your new growing family. Love and respect.’
Slater and his longtime partner Kalani Miller (pictured) are expecting their first child together
Slater’s legacy will be winning the World Surf League Championship a record-breaking 11 times, making him widely regarded as the greatest surfer ever with 56 Championship Tour victories.
He began surfing at the age of five and demonstrated early talent by winning his first United States championship title at the age of 10 and placing third in the junior division at the World Amateur Championships in England at the age of 16.
Slater turned professional in 1990 and quickly made an impact, winning his first match on the Bud Pro Tour and qualifying for the World Surf League Championship Tour the following year.
Slater and Pamela Anderson (pictured together) were an item in the early 1990s after meeting on the set of Baywatch
After 31 years of dueling with the ocean, Slater is finally making time for his distinguished career
Despite a challenging start, which saw him finish 43rd in his first year, Slater won his first professional tour event in 1992 and became the youngest surfing world champion at the age of 20.
He dominated the sport throughout the 1990s, winning five consecutive world titles from 1994 to 1998, a period when televised surfing events also grew in popularity.
After a brief hiatus from competitive surfing in late 1998, Slater returned to the tour in 2002, continuing to rack up major victories and maintaining an influential presence in professional surfing.
Slater’s career accolades include three Triple Crown of Surfing Championships, eight Pipeline Masters Championships and victories in major surfing competitions around the world such as the Hurley Pro at Trestles, Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Billabong Pro Tahiti and others.
His achievements have earned him induction into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame.