Kelly Slater is one of the world’s most famous surfers. He has won 11 world championships, and his love of surfing has inspired millions of people around the globe. Slater recently took the time to answer some questions from Twitter users, and his responses offer valuable insight into the sport of surfing. Here are some highlights from his Q&A session:
How do wetsuits work? Wetsuits keep the water between the suit and the surfer’s body warm. This means that surfers can stay in cold water for longer periods. Wetsuits are made of high-quality materials that are designed to keep surfers warm even in freezing water temperatures.
What are the unspoken rules of surfing? Surfing has a complex hierarchy, where the most experienced surfers usually get the best waves. If you’re new to a particular surf spot, you should be respectful of the local surfers and wait your turn. Young surfers, known as grommets, usually have to wait their turn at the back of the line.
How are surfing competitions judged? Surfing competitions are difficult to judge because there is no objective way to compare one surfer’s performance to another. Waves come in different heights and lengths, and surfers perform different maneuvers that are difficult to quantify. Judges consider a range of factors when scoring a surfer, including their technique, power, and timing.
How do surfers stick to their boards? Surfers use a special wax that is applied to the surface of their boards. The wax is sticky, which helps the surfer maintain their footing even when they’re performing difficult maneuvers.
How do surfers measure wave heights? Different regions use different scales to measure wave heights. In Hawaii, a three-foot wave is considered head high, while in Florida, a head-high wave is considered to be six to seven feet tall. The Hawaiian scale is thought to have originated from the size of the swells in the ocean.
Why do surfers need so many different boards? Surfers use different boards for different types of waves. For example, a small wave requires a board with more flotation and surface area, while a big wave requires a board with less surface area but more stability. Surfboards are like horses for courses, and different boards are required for different wave conditions.
Kelly Slater’s answers offer valuable insight into the sport of surfing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, his advice can help you improve your technique and enjoy your time in the water. So next time you’re hitting the waves, remember to apply some wax to your board, wait your turn, and have fun!