The GOAT - The Kelly Slater Story
The GOAT - The Kelly Slater Story
How the greatest Of All Time is riding the Entrepreneurial Wave
Introduction
Kelly Slater, renowned as a surfing legend, has seamlessly navigated the tides of entrepreneurship with ventures that echo his commitment to innovation, sustainability, and holistic wellness. Beyond his 11 world championship titles (youngest AND oldest world title holder), Slater's business endeavours reveal a multifaceted individual dedicated to impacting a variety of industries.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Innovation, Sustainability, and Wellness
Outerknown: Sustainable Fashion Pioneer Slater's co-founded brand, Outerknown, is a testament to his dedication to environmental responsibility, offering fashion that's both stylish and sustainable.
Founded: 2015
Location: Culver City, California, USA
Link: outerknown.com
Kelly Slater Wave Company: Revolutionising Surfing At the forefront of surfing innovation, Slater's Surf Ranch in California, powered by the Kelly Slater Wave Company, showcases his vision for accessible and sustainable surfing experiences.
Founded: 2007
Location: Lemoore, California, USA
Link: kswaveco.com
Firewire Surfboards: Advancing Surf Technology Collaborating with Firewire Surfboards, Slater has pushed the boundaries of eco-friendly surfboard design, emphasizing performance and environmental consciousness.
Founded: 2006
Location: Carlsbad, California, USA
Link: firewiresurfboards.com
Endorfins: Enhancing Surfing Performance Slater's venture into surfboard fin technology with Endorfins highlights his commitment to improving surfing equipment while adhering to sustainable practices.
Founded: 2001
Location: Information not available
Link: Endorfins
Solento Tequila: Savoring the Spirit of Surfing Kelly Slater, along with a group of friends, has invested in Solento Tequila, a brand founded by surf filmmaker Taylor Steele. Embracing the laid-back surf lifestyle, Solento Tequila reflects their shared appreciation for quality, sustainability, and the art of savoring life's moments.
Founded By: Taylor Steele
Kelly’s Role: Investor/Supporter
Link: solentotequila.com
Yorks: Sustainable Reclaimed Wood Ventures Kelly Slater is involved in Yorks, a recycled lumber business based in Nova Scotia, which repurposes wood from old barns, piers, and other salvaged sources. Driven by a friend's passion for wood and Slater's love for surfing, the venture not only emphasizes sustainability but also harbors an ambitious vision: to use profits for purchasing properties at unknown surf locations around the world, building eco-friendly houses with their reclaimed materials.
Location: Nova Scotia
Focus: Repurposing wood from old barns, piers, and salvaged materials
Vision: Combining passion for sustainable materials with a love for surfing
KLLY Sandal: Eco-Friendly Footwear The KLLY Sandal extends Slater's sustainability ethos to footwear, offering a product that combines comfort, style, and environmental responsibility.
Founded: 2023
Location: Information not available
Link: klly.com
Purps: Promoting Organic Health Solutions As a co-founder of Purps, Slater advocates for health and wellness through a line of organic, natural health drinks, reflecting his holistic approach to life.
Founded: 2014
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Link: purps.com
Board Member of Rythmia Life Slater's role as a board member of Rythmia Life underscores his interest in holistic wellness and personal development. This involvement aligns with his overall vision of integrating health, sustainability, and peak performance in all areas of life.
Founded: Information not available
Location: Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Link: rythmia.com
Conclusion: A Surfer's Impactful Journey in Business
Kelly Slater's evolution from a world-champion surfer to an influential entrepreneur is a journey marked by a deep respect for the environment and a relentless pursuit of innovation and positive change. His diverse ventures, spanning from fashion and surf technology to holistic health, are vivid examples of how adaptability, innovation, and a holistic perspective can catalyze success across various landscapes.
As Slater continues to ride the entrepreneurial wave, his story remains a compelling source of inspiration. It challenges us to consider how the principles honed on the surfboard can be just as powerful in the boardroom, driving us towards success that is not only measured in profits but also in its contribution to a healthier, more sustainable world.
What aspect of Kelly Slater's entrepreneurial journey resonates with you the most? How do you see the principles of surfing shaping business practices in your world? Share your thoughts and stories of other inspiring surfpreneurs in the comments below. #sharethestoke