Kelly Slater is often celebrated as the greatest surfer of all time — an 11-time World Surf League Champion whose precision, flow, and longevity have defined generations of surfing. But beyond his unmatched athletic achievements, Slater has become one of the ocean’s most influential advocates.
From protecting coastlines to innovating sustainable surf gear, Kelly Slater’s environmental mission has transformed how surfers think about their connection to the planet. His advocacy isn’t just about saving waves — it’s about saving the ecosystems that make surfing possible.
Let’s explore how Slater turned his global platform into a force for ocean preservation and sustainability.
Early Awareness: A Surfer’s Connection to the Ocean
Growing up in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Slater’s life has always revolved around the sea. Long before fame and sponsorships, he felt a deep respect for nature’s rhythm — a respect that shaped his worldview.
Surfing taught him early lessons about fragility and balance. Polluted breaks, dying reefs, and plastic-choked beaches weren’t abstract issues — they were realities he saw firsthand during competitions around the globe.
By his 30s, Slater’s mindset began shifting from athlete to advocate. He realized that surfing’s beauty and freedom couldn’t exist without healthy oceans.
Slater’s Environmental Philosophy
Slater often speaks about a “circular relationship with nature” — the idea that what we take from the planet must eventually be given back. For him, this extends far beyond recycling or occasional beach cleanups.
It’s about rethinking consumer culture, reducing waste, and designing for longevity. He believes the modern surfer must not only ride waves but also protect the natural systems that generate them.
In interviews, he’s said:
“If you’re a surfer, you’re an environmentalist — you just might not realize it yet.”
Founding Outerknown: Fashion with a Purpose
In 2015, Slater co-founded Outerknown, a sustainable clothing brand that merges surf style with ethical manufacturing. It was a bold move in an industry notorious for pollution and labor exploitation.
Outerknown prioritizes:
- Recycled and organic materials — using ECONYL® regenerated nylon and organic cotton.
- Fair labor practices — ensuring every factory partner meets global sustainability standards.
- Transparency — publishing sustainability reports and certifications.
The brand’s mission is simple: create timeless, durable clothing with minimal environmental impact.
Slater once said that if he couldn’t make fashion sustainably, he wouldn’t make it at all. That mindset has helped Outerknown become a model for eco-conscious business in the surf and lifestyle world.
Ocean Advocacy and Partnerships
Kelly Slater’s advocacy extends beyond entrepreneurship. He’s worked with numerous environmental organizations, including:
- Surfrider Foundation — promoting clean water initiatives and beach preservation.
- Sea Shepherd — raising awareness about illegal fishing and oceanic wildlife protection.
- The 5 Gyres Institute — combating plastic pollution across the world’s oceans.
He frequently uses his social media platforms to amplify these causes, urging millions of followers to take small daily actions like reducing plastic use and supporting reef restoration.
Innovating Sustainability in Surfing
Few athletes have pushed for environmental change within their sport like Slater. His collaboration with Firewire Surfboards has led to the production of eco-friendly surfboards using plant-based bio-resins, recycled foam, and low-waste processes.
Firewire became the first global surfboard company to achieve Ecoboard certification through Sustainable Surf — a milestone Slater helped bring into the mainstream.
This innovation proves that high-performance boards can also be environmentally responsible.
The Slater Wave Company and Environmental Controversy
Slater’s creation of the Surf Ranch, an artificial wave pool in California, initially drew criticism for its environmental footprint. Concerns arose around water use and energy consumption.
However, Slater responded by prioritizing renewable energy sourcing and emphasizing the project’s potential as a sustainable training ground that could reduce the need for global surf travel — one of surfing’s largest carbon contributors.
He’s also been transparent about the challenge of aligning innovation with sustainability, stating that the surf community must always strive for balance between progress and preservation.
Speaking Out on Climate and Ocean Health
Kelly Slater doesn’t shy away from global environmental discussions. He’s spoken at conferences, appeared in documentaries, and advocated for action on issues such as:
- Rising sea levels threatening surf breaks.
- Coral bleaching and reef loss.
- The link between pollution and marine life decline.
- The responsibility of surf brands to go green.
He emphasizes that personal responsibility is just the beginning — systemic change in industries and governments is necessary to protect the future of the oceans.
Living the Message
Slater leads by example in his daily life:
- He avoids single-use plastics.
- Eats primarily plant-based foods.
- Surfs responsibly — never leaving trash behind.
- Advocates for eco-travel and carbon offset programs.
His lifestyle aligns with his advocacy — a rare and powerful consistency that inspires both surfers and environmentalists alike.
Legacy Beyond Waves
Kelly Slater’s environmental efforts have transformed what it means to be a professional surfer. He’s turned a lifetime of chasing waves into a mission of protecting them.
By showing that sustainability and performance can coexist, he’s paved the way for future generations to ride waves more responsibly.
Final Thoughts
Kelly Slater’s story proves that the best surfers don’t just master the ocean — they serve it. His environmental advocacy challenges everyone who loves the sea to act with purpose and awareness.
From his eco-innovations to his global influence, Slater has redefined what it means to be a surfing legend: a guardian of both the sport and the planet.
As he once said,
“The ocean gives me everything. The least I can do is protect it.”