The greatest surfer of all time, Robert Kelly Slater, has officially embarked on a new, deeply personal chapter in his life, one that has captivated the surfing world and beyond. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the biggest news surrounding the 11-time World Champion centers not on a new victory, but on a new family member, which he shares with his longtime partner, the entrepreneur Kalani Miller.
The couple, who have maintained a steadfast relationship for over 16 years, made a major, life-altering announcement in March 2024, confirming they were expecting their first child together. This update cements Kalani Miller’s role as the central figure in the personal life of the legendary "GOAT" of surfing, proving that even a man who has conquered every ocean still has new, profound experiences to look forward to.
Robert Kelly Slater: A Surfing Icon and Family Man Profile
Kelly Slater’s professional biography is unmatched, but his personal life, especially his recent embrace of fatherhood later in life, offers a fresh perspective on the man behind the legend. Understanding his past is key to appreciating the significance of his current relationship with Kalani Miller.
- Full Name: Robert Kelly Slater
- Born: February 11, 1972
- Place of Birth: Cocoa Beach, Florida, US
- Age: 53 (as of 2025)
- Nickname: The GOAT (Greatest of All Time)
- Career Highlight: Record 11-time World Surf League (WSL) Champion
- Professional Status: Continues to compete on the WSL Championship Tour, often defying calls for retirement.
- Previous Relationship: Has a daughter, Taylor Slater-Kelleher, from a previous relationship.
- Current Partner: Kalani Miller (since the late 2000s).
- Children: Daughter Taylor Slater-Kelleher (born 1996) and his first child with Kalani Miller (welcomed in 2024).
The Unmatched Legacy of the 11-Time World Champion
Kelly Slater’s career spans four decades, a feat unheard of in elite professional sports. His 11 WSL titles are a record that may never be broken, solidifying his status as the sport's most dominant figure. While he has often been linked to the Paris 2024 Olympics, his main focus now seems to be balancing the demands of the Championship Tour with his new responsibilities as a father of a newborn.
His daughter from a previous relationship, Taylor Slater-Kelleher, has already carved out her own path as a successful artist and is a private figure who has occasionally been the subject of her father's reflective comments on the difficulties of being an elite traveling athlete and a present parent. This history provides context for the excitement and commitment surrounding his new family with Kalani Miller.
Kalani Miller: The Entrepreneurial Force Behind the Legend
Kalani Miller is much more than just Kelly Slater’s girlfriend; she is a successful entrepreneur, a designer, and a surfer in her own right. Her connection to the ocean runs as deep as Kelly’s, providing a strong foundation for their enduring relationship.
Co-Founder of MIKOH Swimwear
Kalani Miller is the co-founder of the globally recognized luxury swimwear brand, MIKOH, which she runs with her sister, Oleema Miller. The brand, known for its clean lines and high-quality fabrics, has been featured in major publications, including the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue*. Her entrepreneurial success showcases her independence and drive, qualities that complement Slater's own intense focus.
Growing up in San Clemente, California, in a family of surfers, Kalani’s life has always been intertwined with the ocean and coastal culture. This shared passion for the water is reportedly one of the key factors in her 16-year-long relationship with the surfing icon.
How Kelly and Kalani’s Paths Crossed
The couple’s relationship began in the late 2000s. They reportedly met at a surf trade show in San Diego, a fitting start for two people so dedicated to the surf industry. Their long timeline together—over a decade and a half—is a testament to their private strength and mutual support, navigating the challenges of Kelly’s demanding professional surfing career.
Kalani has often been Kelly’s constant companion on the WSL tour, traveling to remote surf spots like Pipeline, Teahupo’o, and Trestles. She frequently refers to him as her "ride or die," a public display of affection that highlights the depth of their commitment.
The Biggest Update: Welcoming a New Baby in 2024
The most significant and exciting news for Kelly Slater and Kalani Miller came in March 2024 when they announced they were expecting their first child together. This marked a monumental moment for the couple, especially for Kelly, who embraced fatherhood again at the age of 52.
The announcement was made via a tastefully produced black-and-white video on Instagram, which quickly went viral, eliciting an outpouring of congratulatory messages from the entire surfing community and celebrity friends. The news instantly sparked media references to the "Baby GOAT," highlighting the public's fascination with the child of the legendary surfer.
A New Era of Fatherhood
For Kelly Slater, this new baby represents a chance to experience fatherhood with a different perspective. Having previously discussed the regrets and difficulties of being an absent father to his daughter Taylor due to his relentless pursuit of world titles, his return to parenthood is viewed by many as a deeply meaningful personal evolution.
The decision to start a family after over 16 years together shows a clear commitment and stability in their relationship. Kalani Miller’s unwavering support throughout Kelly’s final years on the Championship Tour has been a cornerstone of his continued success, and this new addition is the ultimate symbol of their enduring partnership.
The Future: Balancing Surf and Family Life
As Kelly Slater continues to compete—or at least attempts to—the dynamic of his life has irrevocably changed. The new baby, whose name and gender have been kept relatively private in the initial months, will undoubtedly be a factor in his career decisions, including any potential retirement from the WSL. The surf world is keenly watching to see how this new family life in Cocoa Beach, Florida, or their other homes, will influence the champion's relentless pursuit of perfection on the waves.
The story of Kelly Slater and Kalani Miller is a powerful narrative of two people who built a successful partnership on a foundation of shared values, the love of the ocean, and mutual respect. Their journey into parenthood together in 2024 is the latest and perhaps most profound wave they have chosen to ride.
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