In unforeseen early 2026 twist, “cheap” BeachGrit principals become family with Kelly Slater

Doja Cat and Diplo too.

It is officially 2026, the blush still very much on this new year’s rose. Hope springing eternal etc. and apertures very much open to what surprises the next 12 months might bring. Not even the most optimistic, nor those extra-skilled in reading the stars, could have predicted that on day 2 of this fresh go around that BeachGrit’s Derek Rielly and Chas Smith would become family with Kelly Slater.

Oh any person, man, woman, child, other, who has visited these pages would be very familiar with the greatest competitive surfer to ever live. Slater, ever the big ship in the harbor, has provided countless moments of awe, intrigue and sometimes laughs for BeachGrit’s dear community. Slater, himself, though, possibly mistaking the praise for something less than gracious. I was recently told by someone who knows the 53-year-old that he was going to “punch me in the nose” the next time he sees me.

It worried me greatly until, moments ago, I read the open letter from Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch published on Wave Pool Magazine printed below in full:

As one of the few who’s passed through the wooden gates, we wanted to reflect on the last decade of waves and memories with you.

In 2015, Kelly Slater launched “the perfect wave” a hundred miles from the nearest shoreline. We all remember where we were when that wave broke the internet. Kelly’s laughter was infectious, the wave so perfect, and, in that moment, we were all groms again.

Roughly 2,000 waves later (rights only), Kelly and his closest friends surfed the system into the ground. Version 1.0 had served its purpose, dreams became reality, and the team got back to work. Goofy footers rejoiced as Gerry Lopez christened the first left in crystal clear water. Fast forward to today, we run more than 55,000+ waves annually for surfers whose dreams range from visions in the green room to the simple, unforgettable feeling of feet gripping the wax for the very first time.

A once-simple water-ski lake evolved into a surfer’s oasis. A modest ranch-style home became a premier surf coaching and relaxation space, its deck alive with music and energy of guests and pros who passed through. A small home kitchen transformed to a farm-to-table culinary experience. True to our roots, goats and chickens returned to enjoy the space alongside guests lodging in Airstream trailers, reenergizing in the Renu cold plunges, or wake surfing in the recreational lake.

Through all the change and growth, one thing remains the same – becoming part of the Surf Ranch family. Whether you joined us once years ago or have spent time with us more recently, everyone who passes through the large wooden gate becomes part of the Surf Ranch Ohana. We’re deeply grateful for you and we hope you carry lasting memories of your time with us and look to making more in the years ahead.

Cheers to 10 years! And Happy New Year!  We can’t wait to see you back in 2026!

Again, “Everyone who passes through the large wooden gate becomes part of the Surf Ranch Ohana...” but who could forget when the aforementioned Rielly and Smith passed through those very large wooden gates almost a decade ago when the World Surf League decided to wine and dine surf media for two glorious days and allow surf journalists to experience the wonders of the plow. Nick Carroll was there as was Vaughn Blakey, Pete Taras, Matt Warshaw, Micah Abrams and more. Rielly surfed well. Smith surfed poorly and blew his shoulder out, though had a redemption session some few years later where he also surfed poorly though kept his shoulder attached.

In any case, anyone who has ever watched the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch (either animated or live version) knows that ohana means family.

The forthcoming “punch in the nose” just some brotherly fun.

Funny. Cheap. Character revealing!