Kelly Slater takes on kid who steals Instagram handle…
Two days ago, the surf world was, rightly, sent into raptures over Kelly Slater’s wave pool in Lemoore, California. All that ground mist and heavenly glow!
Did it make you sit erect in the saddle and take a deep breath?
Maybe you went searching for Kelly Slater Wave Co on Instagram so you could boil in the photos?
Yesterday, a BeachGrit reader sent the following story about a little surfer whose industry and, yeah, piracy, got him a personal hit from Kelly Slater.
Let’s examine.
In short my best friend son while in Puerto Rico for family surf trip this past week hears about Kelly’s wave. Goes to Instagram to follow ‘Kelly Slater Wave Co’ Instagram feed representing the new endeavor.
“I can only imagine the story goes like this! Salty wet buckled up riding in the back seat after a very crowded session at Wilderness, and having to listen to 47’ish father play by play of every wave he didn’t get while riding his Tomo Vader.
“So what is a tech savvy grom suppose to do with all this down time between sessions. The little southern gentlemen decides he’s going to help Kelly&Co. start an Instagram account. ‘I got this who know’s maybe even get an invite to ride that wave.’
“Pulls a couple still clips from other sources on the web tap tap done. Car comes to screeching halt father mutters about new spot less crowded lets catch some waves before your mom starts texting us.
“Check’s new Instagram account 500 followers. This thing is going off. Teens are all about their follower numbers. Several online rags link to new Instagram account including Inertia. More followers! It grows to over 1000. This kid is feeling it. Right? Caribbean sun/air and blooming Instagram account! Life is fucking killer!
“An IG ghoul smells something…”
“Finally all good things come to an end. Kelly catches wind ‘Who are you guys? Who runs this account? Soon young grom blocked from his own creation with in a matter hours from Kelly’s question. Fired before he could shralp that new man made wonder!
…oh, and remember river surfing? The inspiration for Greg Webber’s pool? The cheapest way for everyday hacks like you and me to get some wave pool-esque jams? Let’s blast back into the past!
I used to do free giveaway competitions on Instagram. Rack up 10k followers then tell them they’ve been fucked over. Then repeat. Some say its illegal but I say it’s fun.
Off topic: lots of Beachgrit shouts-out on the new William Finnegan episode of Surf Splendor.
Good episode, check out the new ain’t it swell episode, well worth a listen
…oh, true?
Yes. Finnegan said he checks Beach Grit regularly. He also said he’ll be picking up Chas’ book. It’s deep in the episode, maybe around the 50 minute mark.
Welcome Dave!