so i suppose everyone (who cares) heard the announcement yesterday that Kelly Slater, 11 time world surfing champion, has split with long term sponsor of 24 yrs Quiksilver. This relationship was nothing less than iconic for both parties. Kelly has spoken publicly today about the separation and remained respectful and thankful to the brand and the longevity of their partnership, he was gratious and the true ambassador he always is. Kelly is the most amazing surfer the world has ever seen, and i personally wish him well, he is a favourite of mine, his disposition and character is true, he surfs because he loves it...you can really see this,... add a massive competitive spirit and you have an athlete that can push himself into realms unimaginable on the world stage, pressure is not an issue.
He lives a clean lifestyle good ethics- (he was also shagging Pammy Anderson back in her hey day!) A true surfer with spirit....its good to see his roots remained through all the years of corporate exposure...he concentrated on catching waves.
Anyways, i think it's great to see the world's best surfer competing atm in Margaret River with no stickers!- an unsponsored surfer taking down guys with that many sponsor stickers on board I'm surprised they don't have face stickers when they interview after heats, that is in between the standard sponsor hat and sunnies for the tv. It's basically a corporate whore fest this new ASP with more adds and heat analysing than actual surfing....im not the biggest fan of it all, but i do like the look of Kelly Slater riding a board with no advertising on it..
Its surprising it has taken this long for them to split. Kelly has been pretty vocal on GMO's and sustainability and with Quik's links to Monsato and the big surf companies “profit over people” corporatism i think his ideals have been clashing with Quik's for a while and he has been called out on this several times. Be interesting to see how Quik goes now with him gone. I am pretty sure he wont have any trouble funding his season on the tour. One thing's forsure the man is still schooling the new breed. Full respect for the way he has handled it as well.
ReplyDeletecertainly bro, i agree...and the big question???....will he poach Dane Reynolds? sounds like Kelly is going to start his own company, with the help of now partner Kering Group. He and Dane have always had a mutual respect/admiration and the same somewhat partial attitude to the whole tour thing.....i can definitely see these guys collaborating in some open spaces..
ReplyDeleteYeah I think he had a bit to do with Dane being at Quik in the first place. Quiksilvers two main guys Dane and ando don't even get around in quik threads that often, they roll there own style, not great brand ambassadors. Just hope Kelly's new venture is more successful then his previous efforts VSTR and kommunity. I am sure with the back of Kering group he will do alright
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