Born 11th February 1972 in Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA

Sponsors: Quiksilver, Komunity Project , Boost Mobile

Current Residence: Hawaii

Occupation: Professional Surfer

Favourite surfers: Tom Curren, Tom Carroll, Mark Occhilupo, Martin Potter and Shane Dorian

Height: 5-9

Weight: 161 pounds

Stance: Regular

Accomplishments

2010

1st Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

2009

1st Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro

2008

1st Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast

1st Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

1st Globe Pro Fiji

1st Billabong Pro Jeffrey's Bay

1st Boost Mobile Pro, Trestles

1st Billabong Pipeline Master

9 times World Champion (1992/1994/1995/1996/1997/1998/2005/2006/2008)

42 WCT victories

6 Pipe Masters wins

1st Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational

Highest 2 Wave Heat Score

12 Surfer Poll Award Wins

Member of Surfing Hall of Fame

Widely acknowledged as the greatest surfer in history

Kelly Slater was born to surf. He's the epitome of a natural - a guy who was winning surf contests while standing up on a bodyboard at age 6. He can literally ride waves on your front door. He's been famous since he was 12, has been sponsored by Quiksilver since he was 18, is both the oldest world champ ever and the youngest, and wears the Crown as the greatest surfer in history.

His accomplishments are those of which legends are made of: A record 9 World Titles, 6 Pipe Masters wins, Eddie Aikau win, best selling autobiography, video game and surf accessory company, host of Sirius Radio show and celebrity surf event in Fiji.

How did he get so good in both big and small waves then? Dedication. This is a guy who grew up surfing eight hours a day. Every day. Throughout his career he hasn't alienated his fans or fallen into bad habits. He gives off the aura of a humble, low key, ultra-nice guy. Young pros are constantly amazed at how well he handles his celebrity. He likes to play the guitar and the ukulele and he'll even throw down a few freestyle rhythms if he's feelin' it. He likes to sing too, has a pretty good voice and has joined Pearl Jam on stage on the odd occasion.

On land, he's not at all flamboyant. In the water, though, he's a full on showman. He's one of the rare people that can surf better in contests than freesurfs.

Like all the greats - Ali, Jordan, Ruth, Woods, Bradman he thrives on crowds, pressure and expectations. He's incredibly competitive. He's a big sports fan and loves to watch golf, tennis and basketball on TV.

Kelly travels constantly and his creativity is probably the most overlooked aspect of his surfing and his life.

In his chosen sport, he's redefined and revolutionised performance in all conditions. Tail slides, carving 360's, air reverses, rodeo clowns - he either invented or reinvented them all. Today, the best surfers of the world have almost universally adopted his "new school" manoeuvres. All one has to do is watch any new video or pick up a magazine to see that right now he's surfing better than ever. He's still coming up with the newest manoeuvres and the most innovative approach to wave riding.  Kelly has dominated the 2008 season, with six wins out of eleven contests.