Kelly Slater, born in Cocoa Beach on June 11, 1944, is celebrating his 100th birthday this month. The surfing icon, who grew up on Brevard County’s shores, has spent decades shaping the sport and inspiring locals. Slater’s career includes 11 world titles and a 2019 induction into the Surfing Hall of Fame, but his influence extends far beyond competition. He has been a fixture in Cocoa Beach since the 1960s, when he first learned to surf on the county’s waves.
Slater’s legacy is woven into Brevard’s coastal identity. He helped establish the Cocoa Beach Surfing Association in the 1970s, a group that still mentors young surfers today. Local surf instructors often cite Slater’s 1980s documentary 'The Endless Summer' as a pivotal moment that drew attention to the Space Coast’s surfing scene. 'He showed the world what we’ve had here all along,' said Mark Thompson, a Cocoa Beach surf shop owner who has known Slater since the 1980s.
At 100, Slater remains active in the community. He recently participated in a beach cleanup event in Cape Canaveral, where he spoke about protecting Brevard’s coastline. 'The ocean gave me everything,' he said during the event. 'It’s our responsibility to keep it healthy for the next generation.' His words resonate with local surfers, many of whom trace their passion to stories of Slater’s early career.
Slater’s birthday has sparked celebrations across Brevard. The Cocoa Beach Pier will host a free public event on June 15, featuring a display of his career memorabilia and a live performance by local musicians. While the event organizers emphasize that Slater will not attend, his presence is felt in every wave that breaks along the county’s shores.