"Global phenomenon" be damned!
If there is one thing that the world’s most decorated professional surfer loves more than world titles, it is attention. Yes, Kelly Slater was born for it. Model good looks through decades, a snappy mind filled to overflowing by a menagerie of unconventional thinkers, an appetite to spar with plebians on social media and a rarely seen knack for manhandling the spotlight when it begins to stray even slightly.
Who among us could forget when the much-loved Adriano de Souza won his first world title only to have Slater unveil his eponymous wave tank hours later? Or the time Joel Parkinson shared retirement news with Slater quickly sharing his own retirement news that never, in fact, materialized?
Well, in his most audacious attention grab yet, the 11x World Champion is attempting to steal the limelight from a beloved Florida institution. Yes, Slater will be appearing in Cocoa Beach in order to sign copies of his gorgeous new tome hours before the Surfing Santas hit the water for their whimsical tradition.
The annual event draws hundreds upon hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa Claus to Florida’s Space Coast wherein organizers declare, “What started out as a small, family day in Cocoa Beach has turned into a global phenomenon. People from all over congregate on Christmas Eve in Cocoa Beach to celebrate the holidays with Santa, friends and family. Whether you surf or you’re looking to join in the holiday spirit, there’s no other beach having this much fun on Christmas Eve!”
Slater, on the other hand, “will be in Cocoa Beach signing copies of his new book, A Life of Waves. The event will take place at Café Surfinista, 86 N. Orlando Ave., on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.”
Oh.
I suppose the two don’t really conflict at all and might provide synergies one to the other.
The question, now. If you live in Florida will you attend either the Surfing Santas event and/or Kelly Slater’s book signing?
Care to report back?
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He’s onto his 2nd book
“Life with slaves” the making of the abu dhabi wavepool
I don’t need a Book signed.
I will say Slater’s ability to spar with those who might be slightly less vacuous than he is, might be one of his most endearing qualities
A well rounded study in meloncholy.
I bet santa dosent cry in the shower
This sits firmly at the top of the “don’t give a shit” list.
“Borrow money from pessimists – they don’t expect it back!” Kelly Slater