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Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater is an American professional surfer from Cocoa Beach, Florida, widely regarded as one of the greatest surfers of all time.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kelly Slater is an American professional surfer from Cocoa Beach, Florida, widely regarded as one of the greatest surfers of all time. He is a record 11-time World Surf League champion and has held numerous records for championship-tour victories and age milestones in men’s surfing.

Early life

Kelly Slater was born Robert Kelly Slater on February 11, 1972, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Sources describe him as having grown up in the area and beginning surfing at a young age.

Competitive career

Slater became a major force in professional surfing after turning pro in 1990. He won his first world title in 1992 and later added titles through 2011, setting records for both titles and event wins.

Records and recognition

Slater is credited with 11 world titles, five straight championships in the 1990s, and the all-time lead in Championship Tour victories. He has also been repeatedly described by major sports and surf organizations as the greatest surfer of all time.

Other work

Beyond competition, Slater has been associated with surf-media and surf-technology projects, including the Kelly Slater Wave Company. These efforts are often discussed as part of his influence on modern high-performance surfing.

Key facts

  • Kelly Slater is an American professional surfer born in 1972.
  • He won a record 11 world titles, including five consecutive titles from 1994 to 1998.
  • He has a record 56 Championship Tour victories.
  • He is widely described as the greatest competitive surfer of all time.
  • The World Surf League lists him as being from Cocoa Beach, Florida.
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Canadian context

Kelly Slater has competed in international surfing events watched by Canadian audiences and is a central figure in modern professional surfing, a sport with a following in Canada’s Pacific coastal communities.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kelly Slater?
Kelly Slater is an American professional surfer from Cocoa Beach, Florida, known for winning a record 11 world titles.
How many world titles has Kelly Slater won?
He has won 11 world titles, a record in men’s professional surfing.
What are Kelly Slater’s main records?
His major records include 11 world titles and 56 Championship Tour victories, along with being the youngest and oldest men’s world champion.
When was Kelly Slater born?
He was born on February 11, 1972.
Where is Kelly Slater from?
He is from Cocoa Beach, Florida, in the United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Slater
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, world titles, Championship Tour victories, and awards.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kelly-Slater
    Supports: Biography, birthplace, 11 world titles, consecutive titles, and status as an all-time great.
  3. World Surf League — https://www.worldsurfleague.com/athletes/553/kelly-slater
    Supports: Age, hometown, height, and athlete profile.
  4. Olympics — https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/kelly-slater
    Supports: World titles, event victories, youngest/oldest champion records, and career milestones.
  5. Florida Surf Museum — https://floridasurfmuseum.org/kahuna/kelly-slater-cocoa-beach
    Supports: Birthplace, upbringing, and early surfing background.
  6. World Surf League — https://www.worldsurfleague.com/the-ultimate-surfer/cast/kelly-slater
    Supports: Competitive legacy, 11 world titles, 55 career victories, and wave pool work.
  7. Smithsonian Magazine — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/kelly-slater-the-chairman-of-the-board-61047953/
    Supports: Career context, 2011 title, and historical significance.