Latest News About Kelly Slater

Here’s the latest on Kelly Slater, based on recent public reporting up to 2025–2026.

Core update

• Kelly Slater has publicly signaled an ongoing transition away from full-time competition, with interviews and media coverage in 2023–2024 suggesting retirement from the Championship Tour was imminent, though no formal, official retirement announcement was issued at that time. Multiple outlets highlighted his emotional reflections after events like the Margaret River Pro and discussions with the World Surf League about his competitive future.[1][3][7]

Key developments and context

• Personal milestones and new chapter: Slater has publicly shared personal news around starting a family, which has been framed by media as part of a broader shift away from full-time competition toward other pursuits, including possible continued involvement in surfing through other roles or events. Reports during 2023–2025 reference his partnership with Kalani Miller and the birth of children as part of his evolving life outside CT competition.[3][4][1]
• Ongoing involvement in surfing circles: Even as a part-time competitor or guest at events, Slater has remained a focal point in surf media, with podcasts and YouTube coverage discussing his career arc, potential requalification paths, and commentary on the sport’s evolution. These outlets have framed his status as “retired from full-time competition” but not necessarily as a complete exit from the sport.[4][7][8][10]
• Status of retirement and formal statements: There was widespread media speculation about retirement following late-2023 to 2024 coverage, but a universally acknowledged, official retirement statement from Slater was not consistently reported across major outlets. Analysts and pundits have debated whether he might pursue Challenger Series requalification or shift entirely to ambassador-like roles within the sport.[7][3][4]

How this might affect fans and the sport

• For fans: Slater’s career-long presence—11-time world champion and one of the sport’s most influential figures—continues to be a catalyst for discussion about the balance between competition, legacy, and life outside the CT. Media pieces often frame his status as a transition rather than a hard retirement, leaving some ambiguity about future appearances at select events or exhibitions.[1][7]
• For the sport: His evolving role could influence perspectives on sponsorship, athlete longevity, and the paths available to legendary competitors after peak competitive years. Coverage consistently notes Slater’s enduring impact beyond wins, including mentorship, brand collaborations, and the potential for continued involvement in innovation (e.g., boards and wave technology) through non-CT channels.[10][4][1]

Illustration

• Example: In several profiles and interviews, reporters connected Slater’s emotional moments after competition with a broader narrative about the end of an era in professional surfing, while also acknowledging ongoing influence through media, events, and potential future competitive or non-competitive appearances.[7][1]

Would you like a quick, source-linked snapshot with the most recent headlines and dates, or a short table comparing Slater’s public statements over the last couple of years? I can also pull the latest verified news clips or interviews if you want to dive deeper. Please tell me which format you prefer.

Citations:

• Kelly Slater emotional comments and retirement hints at Margaret River Pro and related interviews.[1]
• Discussions of retirement and overall career arc with CT and media coverage.[3]
• Reports on personal life milestones and life after competitive focus.[4]
• Continued media coverage and discussion of potential come-back or non-CT involvement.[10][7]