"(San Clemente) is my girlfriend’s hometown and a second home to me. So I’m looking forward to competing as a wildcard..."
Well, wow… Kelly Slater got a gift today.
Minutes ago, the great World Surf League Championship Tour critic JP Currie declared, after returning from a brief sabbatical, “Somehow in my absence the WSL has transitioned beyond recognition. Where once she was a flaccid auld whore, sooking up the dregs of desperation; now she appears as a supermodel gliding into a Berlin club, whilst we look on, open-mouthed, saliva dripping. This transformation has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, highlighting the evolution of surf culture and competitive surfing.
Minutes later, the “Global Home of Surfing” announced its historic wildcard for the upcoming Lexus Trestles Pro.
The announcement of Slater’s wildcard entry has created a buzz in the surfing community, as many see it as a testament to his enduring talent and passion for the sport. Fans are eagerly anticipating what this legendary surfer will bring to the competition, especially given the high stakes of the Trestles Pro.
The 53-year-old winningest professional surfer of all-time, Kelly Slater, is not just a competitor but a symbol of excellence and resilience in the sport. His career, spanning over three decades, has inspired countless surfers around the world, making him a living legend.
Kelly Slater: A Living Legend in Surfing
Per the press release:
The impact of Slater’s return extends beyond just his participation; it rejuvenates the competitive spirit of the event and serves as a reminder of the history and legacy he has built in the surfing community.
Surfing’s GOAT, the 11-time World Champion, Kelly Slater (USA), will return to competition as a wildcard for the 2025 Lexus Trestles Pro Presented by Outerknown. As the Championship Tour (CT) field narrows following the Mid-season Cut at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Slater will return to competition for Stop No. 8 of the World Surf League (WSL) CT. The event will hold a competition window from June 9 through June 17, 2025. This marks not only a critical point in the season but also a pivotal moment for Slater as he seeks to prove he still has it against a new generation of surfers.
The 53-year-old Slater previously competed as a wildcard in the first event of the 2025 season, the Lexus Pipe Pro. This marked his 33rd CT event at Pipeline, where he earned a Quarterfinal finish. As a wildcard, Slater will look to shake up the narrowed field of surfers at the high-performance wave at Lower Trestles, which was also recently announced as the Olympic surfing venue for the LA 2028 Games. His performance at such a significant venue adds to the excitement surrounding the competition.
Slater, himself, declared, “I’m excited to surf Lowers after having a few months of downtime with family and watching the events online. Surfing this event obviously makes good sense with Outerknown sponsoring the event and celebrating our 10th anniversary. Trestles has been an ongoing great memory for the past 35 years since I won my first event as a professional there, had a number of great wins there while on Tour, and is my girlfriend’s hometown and a second home to me. So I’m looking forward to competing as a wildcard and surf against a top seed or two straight away. At Outerknown we do things a bit differently and this is a different twist for me being the underdog. I’m honored and excited to compete next month. This sentiment resonates with many athletes who thrive under pressure and embrace the challenge of competition.”
Quick question, how old is too old to have a “girlfriend?”
While age in sports can be a contentious topic, Kelly Slater’s continued success forces us to reconsider the notion of age limitations. Many athletes have found a second wind later in their careers, showcasing that experience can often outweigh the advantages of youth in high-stakes competitions.
More as the story develops. The excitement around the Trestles Pro is palpable, not just for the competitors but for the fans who live for these moments in surfing history. As we await the start of the competition, discussions about Slater’s potential impact and the future of surfing continue to generate buzz. The legacy of Kelly Slater will undoubtedly influence the sport long after he hangs up his board.