The narrative surrounding Robert Kelly Slater has pivoted from his 2024 unofficial retirement to a vibrant, new chapter that blends elite athleticism with A-list celebrity business ventures. His recent actions, including a competitive return at major events, suggest a profound shift in focus, utilizing his legendary status to amplify his impact across the surfing world and beyond.
Robert Kelly Slater: The GOAT's Complete Biography Profile
Kelly Slater is universally recognized as the greatest professional surfer in history, holding an unprecedented record of 11 World Surf League (WSL) Championship titles. His influence extends far past the sport, encompassing business, environmental activism, and design.
- Full Name: Robert Kelly Slater
- Date of Birth: February 11, 1972
- Age (in 2025): 53
- Hometown: Cocoa Beach, Florida, U.S.
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Weight: 165 lb (75 kg)
- Net Worth (Estimated): $40 Million
- Major Titles: 11-time WSL World Champion (formerly ASP World Tour), Youngest and Oldest World Champion in history.
- Long-Term Partner: Kalani Miller (Surfer, Model, Co-founder of Mikoh swimwear)
- Children: One daughter (Taylor, from a previous relationship) and a new baby boy with Kalani Miller.
Kelly Slater and Kalani Miller: A New Chapter and a Baby Boy
The most heartwarming and personal update in Kelly Slater's life in 2025 is the expansion of his family with his long-time partner, Kalani Miller. The couple, who have been together for over a decade, announced in late 2024 that they were expecting their first child together.
The Arrival of Their Son
Confirming the exciting news, the couple welcomed a baby boy in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the legendary surfer in his fifties. Kalani Miller, a successful businesswoman and co-founder of the popular swimwear brand Mikoh, has been a steadfast presence in Slater’s life, often traveling with him on the WSL tour. The announcement and subsequent arrival of their son have garnered widespread attention from the global surfing community and mainstream media alike.
This new role as a father again, combined with his continued competitive drive, paints a picture of a man balancing the intense demands of being an elite athlete and entrepreneur with the joys and responsibilities of family life. The Miller-Slater family is now a central focus, influencing his decisions regarding competitive surfing and global travel.
Kalani Miller’s Entrepreneurial Success
Kalani Miller’s influence on the "Kelly Slater and" narrative is substantial, extending beyond their personal relationship. As a co-founder of Mikoh, a highly respected swimwear brand, she is a powerful figure in her own right. The brand, which she runs with her sister Oleema Miller, is celebrated for its minimalist design and high-quality materials, often drawing inspiration from their Hawaiian roots and beach-hopping lifestyle. This shared background in the ocean and business acumen makes them one of the sport's most influential power couples.
Kelly Slater and The Hollywood Power Players: WME Partnership
In a move that signals a major pivot toward mainstream media and high-profile business deals, Kelly Slater has officially joined the ranks of one of the world’s most prestigious talent agencies, William Morris Endeavor (WME).
Joining the A-List Roster
This partnership is a game-changer for Kelly Slater’s brand and business ventures. WME manages an elite roster of global superstars, and by joining them, Slater is now on the same "team" as some of the biggest names in entertainment, including:
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
- Dua Lipa
- Christian Bale
- Ben Affleck
- Robert Downey Jr.
The decision to sign with WME is a clear indication that Slater is looking to dramatically expand his business portfolio, partnerships, and projects outside of traditional surfing endorsements. This strategic move aims to leverage his global recognition, allowing him to explore opportunities in film, television, large-scale endorsements, and other celebrity-driven ventures. The agency will handle his day-to-day projects, business transactions, and major deal hunting, solidifying his status as a global icon rather than just a sports legend.
Kelly Slater and His Competitive Comeback: The 2025 Wildcard Run
Despite being cut from the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) in 2024 at Margaret River, and hinting at retirement, the 53-year-old GOAT is not done with competitive surfing. The "Kelly Slater and" the WSL story continues with a series of high-profile wildcard appearances scheduled for 2025 and beyond.
Trestles Pro and Pipeline Appearances
Slater has been awarded a coveted wildcard spot for the 2025 Trestles Pro in California, a venue that will also host the surfing events for the LA28 Olympic Games. This return to a major CT event proves that his competitive fire is far from extinguished. Furthermore, he is set to return for specialty events, including the 2026 Da Hui Backdoor Shootout at the legendary Pipeline in Hawaii.
These wildcard entries are not merely ceremonial. They pit him against the world's best, including younger rivals like Barron Mamiya and Ethan Ewing, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining an elite performance level. For fans, these appearances are a precious opportunity to see the 11-time champion compete against the current generation of surfing talent on some of the world's most challenging waves.
Kelly Slater and The Future of Wave Technology: Real Estate and Surf Pools
Slater's most ambitious business venture remains his revolutionary wave technology, Kelly Slater Wave Co., and its application in luxury real estate development.
The Austin Surf Club Project
The most current and significant project is the "Austin Surf Club" in Central Texas. This massive development, scheduled for completion in 2027, is a collaboration between Slater and the Discovery Land Company, founded by Michael Meldman. The project is an upscale, 330-acre community centered around a world-class, Kelly Slater-designed wave pool.
The development will feature 140 luxury condominiums, a brewery, a restaurant, and a clubhouse, creating a complete lifestyle community for surf enthusiasts and luxury buyers. This venture moves the Kelly Slater Wave Co. technology beyond a training facility and into a high-end residential and hospitality model, a major trend in global real estate.
The success of the Kelly Slater Wave Co. (KSWC) technology, which produces the world’s most perfect, performance-based human-made wave, continues to be a core part of his legacy. Its partnership with the World Surf League ensures that the technology remains at the forefront of the sport's development and training programs.
In 2025, Kelly Slater is not just a retired legend; he is a competitive wildcard, a new father, a Hollywood-managed entrepreneur, and a real estate visionary. The combination of his personal fulfillment, his strategic business moves with WME, and his continued presence in the water at events like the Trestles Pro and Pipe Pro solidifies his status as an unparalleled global icon whose influence continues to grow across multiple industries.
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