Men's Journal's Everyday Warrior Podcast with Mike Sarraille is a podcast that inspires people to live more fulfilling lives by engaging in conversations with disruptors and achievers from all walks of life. In episode 62, we spoke to pro surfer Kelly Slater, who fell in love with the sport at a young age.
He started surfing on a short board and competed in his first competition at the age of eight. Already at the age of 12 he took part in national and international competitions.
In this episode, Slater discusses losing friends to suicide and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the warning signs and offering support; the concept of heritage and the impact we leave behind; prioritize their health and well-being before it becomes popular in sports; sustainable practices in the surfing industry; and more.
Listen to the full episode above and see a time-stamped synopsis of the interview below.
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Overview with time stamp
[00:00:40] Slater talks about his passion for the sport and how he started competing at a young age.
[00:03:29] Surfing was the Slater's greatest passion from a young age, which he pursued tirelessly while avoiding drugs and alcohol. Growing up, he was coached by a former pro surfer and sponsored by a surf shop.
[00:05:11] Slater lost respect for partymates when he saw them surfing while drunk. This made him more competitive and he worked to stay healthy, a trend that later caught on with other surfers hiring coaches and nutritionists.
[00:07:58] Slater's career spanned five decades, he began competing at eight, won six world titles, took a three-year hiatus at age 26 after winning a fifth consecutive world title. The decision came before he won his sixth world title in 1998 with a narrow majority.
[00:11:27] Slater hasn't spoken much about his personal decision to take drugs, but he is aware of the potential benefits and believes they must be used properly. They acknowledge substance abuse but see an opportunity for alternative treatments like the ones Aaron Rogers spoke of, although more public education is needed.
[00:13:44] Discussing the loss of friends to suicide, especially men, Slater emphasizes the importance of being aware of the signs and supporting people who may be struggling.
[00:16:49] Sponsored since childhood, Slater is now passionate about promoting ethical and sustainable practices within brands. Encourages individuals to pursue their own solutions.
[00:18:24] Slater discusses the challenges of launching his sustainable clothing brand due to high costs and backlash, but emphasizes the importance of ethical practices and sustainability in the industry. He also discusses how increasing demand for sustainable materials can help reduce costs in the long term.
[00:22:10] Slater designed sandals inspired by the moon and turtles, dubbed the "Kelly Sandal" or "New Moon," for a company that contacted him.
[00:26:30] Belief in yourself, strong networks and diverse surfing cultures around the world are important aspects of the Slater's life.
