Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 67 votes)
5 stars
17(25%)
4 stars
26(39%)
3 stars
24(36%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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67 reviews
July 14,2025
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Unless you are a die-hard Slater fan, it might be best to skip this one.

It comes across as more of a promotional piece for Kelly Slater Inc. than a truly engaging read.

The only redeeming factor is a somewhat amusing story about using an old wooden door as a surfboard at one of the North Shore breaks.

But aside from that, this book really doesn't offer anything particularly unique or special.

However, it should be noted that he does earn some brownie points for his connection to Pam Anderson.

Just saying.
July 14,2025
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It's really fun to look back at surfing in the 70s and see the significant changes it has undergone. Back then, it was about trying to arch your back. But now, it's all about going as vertical as humanly possible.


The book is centered around Kelly Slater. It begins when he was just a baby and follows his journey until he was 43 and achieved his 14th world title.


For Kelly, it all started in Cocoa Beach, Florida. His first board was a buggy board, on which he would spin in circles. Then he got a real board and started excelling. He always performed well in contests. However, when he joined the tour, people didn't initially like his style. At that time, people preferred sole surfing, but Kelly was into big turns and airs, which is what modern-day surfing looks like. The judges had to learn and adapt to this new style.


I really like this book because it's all about a surfer and his life. If you surf or would like to know more about it, this is an excellent book to read.

July 14,2025
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I came to the realization that fixating on the big picture was actually hindering my progress. I had to shift my focus and concentrate intently on every single second of what I was doing. I needed to keep firmly in mind that as long as there was still time remaining on the clock, I still had a glimmer of hope.


Written in chronological order, starting from his beginnings in Cocoa Beach, FL, and leading up to his ascent as one of the preeminent professional surfers in the world, Kelly Slater's autobiography offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how he became the renowned surfer he is today. He takes us back to his early days as a grom, participating in surfing contests under less than perfect conditions. He openly shares tales of his challenging family life. He delves into the struggles of making and maintaining financial stability, his tumultuous relationships, and intense rivalries. And yet, through all of these obstacles, he manages to become an 11-time world champion.


The saying "no guts, no glory" truly comes to life when reading about Slater. Great athletes are often willing to take extreme risks in order to reap the rewards. Reading through some of these contest stories and witnessing the level to which Slater pushed himself, it becomes evident that he is, in my opinion, one of the all-time greats. He also had the audacity to challenge the traditional surfing styles, which, I suspect, probably irked a lot of the old guard. But he saw the potential for progression in surfing and pursued it wholeheartedly, despite the criticism and backlash he received.


The writing style is very much like a casual "talk story," as we say in Hawai`i when we're having a laid-back chat with friends, reminiscing about the past. This makes it incredibly easy to follow along and truly get a sense of what Slater was thinking and feeling during these events. He is also refreshingly unforgiving in his honesty, which I absolutely love. Some people might find this off-putting, but I appreciate his upfront attitude and personality.


Born and raised on O`ahu in the nineties, Kelly Slater was like a god. And I didn't even surf! But I was and still am a fan of the sport. I knew his name, saw his photos in the magazines at Foodland, and recognized that in the world of surfing, he was the epitome of success. You don't have to be a die-hard fan of surfing or Kelly Slater to enjoy this book; it provides any reader with a valuable insight into how hard work and perseverance can pay off, and that in life, as long as there's time left on the clock, there's always a chance.

July 14,2025
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He is human after all.

Probably he is one of the most selfish people I have ever read the biography of.

I can't say that I found anything 'inspirational' in his story.

The so-called World Surfing Champ, pfffffft.... He is more like a World Selfish Chump!

We often look for role models in various fields, hoping to find inspiration and motivation from their stories.

However, in this case, it seems that the person's actions and character are far from what we would consider worthy of emulation.

His self-centeredness may have led him to achieve certain success in the surfing world, but it also leaves a negative impression on those who get to know his true nature.

Maybe we should be more discerning when choosing our idols and not be misled by their external achievements alone.

After all, true inspiration comes from those who not only succeed but also do so with integrity and a positive impact on others.

July 14,2025
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Very Cool.


Kelly Slater has an extremely cool life. He is not just an ordinary person but a surfing legend. His days are filled with excitement and adventure as he rides the waves in some of the most beautiful and challenging locations around the world. He has achieved great success in the surfing world, winning numerous championships and setting records. But his cool life is not just about surfing. He also enjoys other activities such as traveling, spending time with friends and family, and pursuing his hobbies. He has a laid-back and positive attitude towards life, which makes him even more appealing. Overall, Kelly Slater's life is truly very cool and something that many people can only dream of.

July 14,2025
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Yet another autobiography that falls victim to the 'but it's all good' syndrome.

I have a passion for reading about the lives of others, the haphazard and purposeful events that have molded their triumphs and defeats. However, as of late, I've detected a pattern in these stories where the narrator will relate a particularly melancholy or poignant event and then attempt to conclude it on an upbeat note, neatly packaging it with 'but it's all good'.

Discovering the significance in a situation is beneficial, and striving to transform negatives into positives is praiseworthy. Nevertheless, I'm not fond of the fact that in today's society, we struggle to acknowledge that we're still affected by certain things. Some events were simply dreadful, or we had a difficult time coping with them. There's no need to summarize every awful event with a trite platitude about silver linings.

Aside from that, it was enjoyable to read about surfing, making it an effortless and light read. It was a bit perplexing since none of the people's names or places held any meaning for me.
July 14,2025
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The book "Pipe Dreams" by Kelly Slater is truly outstanding. It provides a highly detailed account of all the remarkable accomplishments he has achieved throughout his life and the aspirations he has for the future. Moreover, it delves deeply into his personal life, revealing what he enjoys doing in his spare time when he is not competing on the world tour. The book also offers valuable insights into how he has risen to his current position and the efforts he has made to get there. Overall, it is an excellent read that offers a comprehensive look at the life and career of Kelly Slater.

July 14,2025
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I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was truly fascinating to learn about Kelly's childhood. Growing up in Florida, he was surrounded by the beautiful beaches and the allure of the ocean. This environment无疑 had a profound impact on his life and his passion for surfing.

As a professional surfer, Kelly's life is filled with excitement and adventure. He spends his days riding the waves, pushing himself to the limit, and competing against the best in the world. His skill and determination have earned him numerous accolades and a reputation as one of the greatest surfers of all time.

Reading about Kelly's life has inspired me to pursue my own dreams and to never give up. It has shown me that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. I look forward to following his career and seeing what other amazing things he will accomplish in the future.

July 14,2025
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Pipe Dreams is a captivating biography that delves into the life of surfing world champion Kelly Slater.

This was the very first sports-related book that came across my path, and it proved to be a truly refreshing and engaging read.

It was fascinating to follow the journey of an athlete whom I've held in high regard from the very beginning.

The book takes us into the private life of Kelly Slater, starting from his childhood days in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

As Slater achieved international success and fame, he had to learn the art of staying focused on his athletic career.

He had to resist the temptations of women, booze, partying, and the allure of millions of dollars.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the sport of surfing, is a fan of Kelly Slater, or simply enjoys a good read about a man whose passion for surfing knows no bounds.

It offers valuable insights into the life and mindset of a remarkable athlete.
July 14,2025
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I am delving into the remarkable journey of Kelly Slater, who has ascended from being an ordinary surfer to becoming the best in the world. This topic holds a special allure for me as I hail from a family of surfers and have a passion for surfing myself. I already possess a significant amount of knowledge about this subject matter. What makes the book particularly interesting is that it is presented from Kelly Slater's own perspective. It offers a unique and intimate look into his experiences, struggles, and triumphs along the way. Through his eyes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the dedication, hard work, and perseverance that it takes to reach the pinnacle of the surfing world. I am excited to continue exploring this captivating story and uncovering the secrets behind Kelly Slater's success.

July 14,2025
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This is a great memoir penned by one of the sporting legends. It offers a fascinating glimpse into his life and career.

The stories and experiences shared within its pages are truly captivating. However, there is one small drawback. I really wish it was read in his own voice.

Imagine hearing the words directly from the legend himself, with his unique tone, inflections, and passion. It would add an entirely new dimension to the memoir and make the reading experience even more immersive.

Despite this, the memoir still stands as a remarkable piece of work. It provides valuable insights and inspiration for fans and aspiring athletes alike.

It serves as a testament to the legend's achievements and the impact he has had on the world of sports.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and times of this remarkable sporting icon.
July 14,2025
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This is a really honest story that one can easily relate to.

It likely contains elements that many people have experienced in their own lives.

Perhaps it's about a personal struggle, a moment of growth, or a relationship that had its ups and downs.

By being honest, the storyteller allows the reader to connect on a deeper level.

We can see ourselves in the characters and situations, and it makes us feel less alone.

Honest stories have the power to inspire, educate, and even heal.

They can show us that we're not the only ones facing challenges and that there is always hope for a better future.

This particular story seems to have that special something that draws us in and makes us want to keep reading.

It's a story that will stay with us long after we've finished reading it.
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