I grew up in southern California enjoying not only the car culture but also the surf culture. Learning to surf and spending much of my youth in the Pacific was a privilege and a delight and along with my car magazines I subscribed to Surfer as well. While I am 14 years older than surfing legend Kelly Slater I saw him come onto the surf scene and dominate from a young age. Whenever I heard him speak he was always thoughtful, on point, and sincere.
Kelly just won the Billabong Pro Pipeline just days before his 50th birthday.
In sports most athletes retire well before 50 and many of the media and professional pressures force the ‘old guys, or gals’ out. Not Kelly. At 40 many said that would be it, but he kept surfing and competing. He paid the price for success through persistence and focus and not making excuses nor letting things get in his way.
Kelly will go into the record books as one of the greatest surfers and top athletes in the world.
So why am I talking about a surfer here on Cars Yeah? Kelly is a role model for everyone, no matter their business or goals in life. He’s achieved his goals with dedication to his passion and he has done it with class. So never let your age stop you from achieving your goals and chasing your passion.
Bravo Kelly Slater, bravo!
Photo credit of Kelly surfing: World Surf League & The Sydney Morning Herald
Great article Mark. Very inspiring…should motivate anyone who reads it. Thanks.
Mark…I typically rise early and begin reading through all my subscribed news links. Of course all the car stuff is first in line. I’m old school, still addicted to all things motorized and am super confident in the future of all things CAR! This piece gave me a nice boost this morning. Thanks for that. Now I’m headed to the garage!!
Mark,
Thanks for sharing. More proof that age is a mind set.
Good morning Mark! 2/8/22
I too am from that 60’ws crowd. Still enjoy cars, and the interactions of all the “groups”. It is a joy to see us “older” folks still living the dream.
Bill Hegger
Well done Mark! I couldn’t agree more. As I get older I find new challenges in life and strive to dominate and succeed in each indever . Its what keeps us young and loving this fragile thing we call life. BRAVO! I think you need to pick up a board again Mike!