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