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Pipe Dreams: A Surfer's Journey

kelly slater

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Soon to be an ABC reality series entitled Ultimate Surfer , starring 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater Six-time world surfing champion, actor, and American heartthrob Kelly Slater tells his inspiring story of triumph over adversity From Beach Blanket Bingo to Baywatch to Blue Crush, surfing has fascinated people for years, and Kelly Slater is the sport’s hottest star. He has won more world championships than any other competitor, and he continues to change peoples’ minds about what can and can’t be done on a surfboard. His wild ride has included fame, fortune, a stint on Baywatch, and a high-profile relationship with Pamela Anderson. Not bad for a skinny kid from a broken home in Cocoa Beach, Florida. In Pipe Dreams, Kelly takes the reader into oceans around the world to take on thunderous walls of water and shares the outrageous stories, solemn moments, and undeniable spirit that have made him a superstar.

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,2003

This edition

Format
352 pages, Paperback
Published
July 27, 2004 by It Books
ISBN
9780060096311
ASIN
0060096314
Language
English

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About the author

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kelly slater

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Kelly Slater, byname of Robert Kelly Slater, (born February 11, 1972, Cocoa Beach, Florida, U.S.), American professional surfer widely considered the greatest surfer of all time. He earned the title of world champion an unprecedented 11 times, including a record five times consecutively (1994–98), and he was also the all-time leader in event wins.

The son of a bait-store proprietor, Slater grew up near the water, and he began surfing at age five. By age 10 he was winning age-division events up and down the Atlantic coast, and in 1984 he won his first age-division United States championship title. Two years later he finished third in the junior division at the world amateur championships in England, and he won the Pacific Cup junior championship in Australia the following year.

After turning professional in 1990, Slater struggled during his first two years on the professional tour, finishing 90th and 43rd in the world rankings those years. In 1992 he secured podium (top-three) finishes in three of his first five events before winning his first professional tour event, the Rip Curl Pro, in France. His win in that year's prestigious Pipeline Masters in Hawaii secured his first world title, and at age 20 he became the youngest surfing world champion ever. Slater finished sixth in the 1993 rankings but came back in 1994 to begin a five-year run of complete domination of the world tour, earning the champion's crown every year between 1994 and 1998. He then took a break from competitive surfing at the end of 1998.

During his years off the world tour, Slater appeared in assorted surf films, television shows, and video games. He returned to the world pro tour in 2002, finished a close second in the world rankings in 2003, and won his first posthiatus championship in 2005. He won his 11th world title in 2011, thereby becoming both the youngest and the oldest surfer to have won the championship.

From: https://www.britannica.com/biography/...

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 67 votes)
5 stars
17(25%)
4 stars
26(39%)
3 stars
24(36%)
2 stars
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67 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Fan2207
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I absolutely adored the autobiography.

It provided an in-depth look into every aspect of his life, from his home environment to his financial situation.

The author's detailed account of his journey towards becoming the world's greatest surfer was truly captivating.

Readers are able to gain a profound understanding of the challenges he faced, the sacrifices he made, and the determination that drove him forward.

The autobiography is not only a story of success but also an inspiration for anyone who dreams of achieving greatness in their chosen field.

It shows that with hard work, perseverance, and a passion for what you do, anything is possible.

I highly recommend this autobiography to anyone who is interested in surfing or simply looking for an inspiring read.
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shaitman
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I'm not a huge fan of non-fiction books (hence the 3-star rating).

However, this particular book offers a nice look into the life and struggle not only of Kelly Slater but also the gradual steps that surfing has taken since the 80's.

It provides an interesting perspective on areas of his personal life, including his own struggles with family, love, and overcoming obstacles.

While it may not be the best book you'll ever read about surfing, it is definitely recommended for Slater fans and anyone who loves making those 6 am runs to the beach.

The author does a decent job of painting a vivid picture of Slater's journey and the evolution of the surfing world.

It gives readers an insight into the challenges and triumphs that come with being a professional surfer.

Overall, it's a worthwhile read for those interested in the sport and the people who make it so exciting.
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KappaKappaKappa
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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In my opinion,

this book unfortunately just adds to the existing stereotype of surfers.

It presents Kelly Slater in a way that makes him seem arrogant, which really doesn't give surfers a very good reputation.

Kelly Slater is, without a doubt, one of the best surfers in the world.

While it is true that the book does a certain job of showing that he is just a normal person,

the overall impression it creates is that he doesn't think he is.

This portrayal has drastically lowered my respect for Kelly Slater.

I had always held him in high regard as a talented surfer,

but this book has made me view him in a different light.

It's a shame that the author didn't do a better job of presenting him in a more positive and accurate way.

Perhaps if the book had focused more on his achievements and his passion for surfing,

rather than on creating a negative stereotype, my opinion of him would not have changed so much.
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LoPixels
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I really enjoyed this book.

It exceeded my expectations.

At first, I had some initial thoughts about what it might be like, but as I delved into the pages, I discovered that it was so much better than I had anticipated.

The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the writing style was captivating.

It held my attention from beginning to end, and I found myself constantly eager to turn the next page to see what would happen next.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an enjoyable read.

It's one that I will definitely be thinking about for a long time to come.

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Vicious-Nancy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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The first athlete book that I read was truly a captivating experience for me as a kid.

I remember vividly how it transported me into the exciting world of sports.

The stories of the athletes' struggles, their determination to succeed, and their remarkable achievements left a lasting impression on my young mind.

It inspired me to dream big and believe that with hard work and perseverance, I could also accomplish great things in my own life.

The book not only introduced me to the world of athletics but also taught me valuable lessons about discipline, dedication, and the importance of setting goals.

To this day, that first athlete book remains a cherished memory and a source of motivation for me.

It has kindled my love for sports and continues to influence my attitude towards life and its challenges.

I am grateful for having had the opportunity to read that book and for the inspiration it has provided me throughout the years.

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Sweetpea
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Kelly's life story up to around 2003 is really quite good.

It's a narrative that could potentially be appreciated even by those who are not surfers.

However, it does have a tendency to focus a bit too intensively on competitions, results, and similar aspects.

But I suppose that's just the way Kelly's mind operates.

He seems to be highly driven by the pursuit of success in the surfing world, constantly striving for better performances and higher achievements.

This focus on competitions and results has no doubt shaped his journey and made him the accomplished surfer he is today.

Despite the perhaps overemphasis on these areas, the story still manages to capture the essence of Kelly's life and the passion that fuels his surfing career.

It gives an interesting glimpse into the world of professional surfing and the mindset required to succeed in such a competitive field.

Overall, it's a story that has its strengths and weaknesses, but it's definitely worth reading for anyone interested in learning more about Kelly and the world of surfing.
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betarunner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A great read that shows how Kelly is such a good athlete. Kelly's story is truly inspiring. She has dedicated countless hours to training and perfecting her skills. Her determination and hard work have paid off, as she has achieved remarkable success in her sport. Whether it's on the field, court, or track, Kelly always gives her best. She has a natural talent for athletics, but it is her unwavering commitment that sets her apart. Kelly is not only a great athlete, but also a role model for others. Her positive attitude and sportsmanship have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and fans alike. Reading about Kelly's journey is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. It makes you believe that you too can achieve great things in your own life.

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Nao004
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Pipe Dreams: A Surfers Journey is an outstanding book that offers readers a captivating insight into the various phases of Kelly Slater's life.

Kelly Slater, a renowned figure in the surfing world, has had a journey filled with both remarkable achievements and challenging setbacks. This book vividly描绘s the highs and lows he has experienced throughout his career.

From his early days of learning to surf and facing numerous obstacles, to his later successes and becoming a legend in the sport, Slater's story is one of determination and perseverance.

The author does an excellent job of bringing Slater's experiences to life, allowing readers to feel as if they are right there with him, sharing in his joys and sorrows.

Whether you are a surfing enthusiast or simply interested in a good story about a person's journey through life, Pipe Dreams: A Surfers Journey is definitely a book worth reading.

It not only provides entertainment but also offers valuable lessons about the importance of following your dreams and never giving up, no matter how difficult the path may be.
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