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
0(0%)
67 reviews
July 14,2025
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I absolutely adored this book.

It is not merely a book that piques my interest; rather, the manner in which it is penned elevates it to a whole new level.

Prior to delving into this book, I was acquainted with Kelly Slater solely as an outstanding surfer.

However, upon reading this book and acquainting myself with his life narrative, I have developed a profounder appreciation for him, from his humble beginnings to his current eminence.

If you have a passion for surfing and relish a captivating story, then this book is tailor-made for you.

It offers a unique insight into the world of surfing through the eyes of one of its greatest legends.

The author's vivid descriptions and engaging writing style make it a truly enjoyable read.

Whether you are a die-hard surfer or simply someone who enjoys a good read, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
July 14,2025
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Really inspiring!

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It has the power to uplift our spirits and drive us to achieve great things.

When we encounter something that is truly inspiring, it can have a profound impact on our lives. It might be a speech by a great leader, a work of art that touches our souls, or a personal achievement by someone we admire.

Inspiration has the ability to ignite our passion and fuel our determination. It gives us the motivation to pursue our dreams and overcome any obstacles that come our way.

We should always be on the lookout for those inspiring moments and experiences. They can be found in the simplest of things, such as a beautiful sunset or a kind gesture from a stranger.

Let us allow ourselves to be inspired and let that inspiration guide us on our journey through life. For when we are inspired, anything is possible.

July 14,2025
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Living and travelling up and down the east coast of Australia, I have always been deeply fascinated by the ocean. The vast expanse of the sea, with its powerful waves and ever-changing tides, has a certain allure that is impossible to resist.

Eventually, I decided to tackle my fear of the waves and took the plunge into the world of surfing. It has been over 35 years since that first day when we took a deep breath and paddled out the back. Since then, I have gone through plenty of surfboards and travelled countless kilometres in pursuit of getting that perfect wave. Only a surfer knows the feeling of riding a wave, the rush of adrenaline, and the sense of freedom and connection with the ocean.

Kelly Slater - A Surfers Journey has been a great insight into the start of this giant of the surfing world. It shows the challenges and sacrifices that he had to make to become one of the greatest surfers of all time. His passion and dedication to the sport are truly inspiring and have motivated many others to follow in his footsteps.
July 14,2025
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I’ll start off by saying that I read this book because of my deep interest in surfing. Growing up in the middle of Michigan, I only saw waves on the Great Lakes during vacations that occurred once every few years. Lately, as I’ve become old enough to drive myself to the beach, my interest in surfing has grown even stronger. Reading this book was my way of getting a glimpse into the life of someone who had far more opportunities to surf than I did.

Once I finished reading the book, I found that I wasn’t any more motivated to surf than I was before. However, I did gain some extremely valuable insights into the surfing community. Anyway, let’s get into it.

In Pipe Dreams, Kelly Slater writes about his life from childhood up to a few years after he retired from professional surfing. He presents his life in a timeline format, starting with his early days of fishing, then moving on to surfing, and finally competing in surf contests until he won an impressive 6 world championships. The book is filled with all the events that happened along the way as he reached that point. To keep it brief, there were numerous ups and downs.

Kelly writes in a straightforward manner, using few adjectives and focusing on the essence of his story. Personally, I was more engaged during the parts where he described what was happening outside of the surf competitions. Things like forming a band, playing golf, being chased by a stalker, acting on Baywatch, and later dating Pamela Anderson kept me thoroughly entertained as I read through the numerous contests he participated in. I really liked how he described what happened during those surf contests. He had an incredibly good memory of the names of many of the surfers he competed against, which made it more relatable. He also explained terms commonly used in surfing and some surfing techniques, allowing me to vividly picture what he did during those contests.

The book concludes with Kelly discussing his life after retiring from professional surfing. I also enjoyed reading this part and felt that it was a great way to end the book. Would I recommend this book to others? No, unless they also had a passion or interest for surfing and skateboarding. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It enabled me to learn more about surfing as a hobby and what awaits me as I become more involved in it.

July 14,2025
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Pipe dreams by Kelly Slater is an outstanding autobiography.

It chronicles the lives of Kelly and his brother, starting from their early days of living and growing up and leading up to Kelly's rise to stardom. The first chapter, for me, was a bit dull, but as I delved deeper into the book, much like in The Hunger Games, it began to captivate my interest. What makes this book, Kelly Slater Pipe Dreams, truly remarkable is that it is not one continuous narrative but rather a collection of smaller stories that come together to form the bigger picture. For instance, Kelly shares the story of his childhood fear of a ghost in his closet, and then the next chapter details his trip to Hawaii at the age of 20. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of his life. What I adored the most was his account of his favorite places to surf, his preferred books to read, his ideal place to live, and his top 30 favorite surfers, among other things. I believe Kelly included this towards the end of the book in case readers missed it while reading through. I gave it a rating of 3 because I found some of the stories a bit tiresome, and I felt that he used an excessive number of words and sentences that were not essential for understanding the narrative.

Overall, Pipe dreams by Kelly Slater offers an interesting look into the life of a surfing legend.
July 14,2025
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This book was truly very informative.

It delved deep into the journey of how Kelly Slater managed to reach the remarkable position he is in today.

We are presented with a detailed account of his background, which includes his early days, his passion for surfing that was ignited at a young age, and the countless hours of practice and dedication he put in.

The book explores the challenges he faced along the way, the setbacks he had to overcome, and the determination that drove him forward.

It also sheds light on the people who influenced him, the mentors who guided him, and the experiences that shaped his character.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the life and career of Kelly Slater, making it a must-read for any surfing enthusiast or anyone interested in the story of a true champion.

July 14,2025
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This is a highly readable and captivating memoir that predominantly centers around the remarkable surf-competition achievements of the renowned Kelly Slater.

I would describe it as being quite straightforward and understated, perhaps lacking a touch of the "stoke" that one might anticipate from a book dedicated to watersports.

However, the unwavering discipline of Mr. Slater, in the face of the numerous challenges and distractions in his life under the intense spotlight (such as his appearance on Baywatch and his on-again, off-again relationship with Ms. Anderson), is clearly evident on these pages.

I was unaware that the book was published several years ago when I began reading it, so the stories only pertain to Slater's youth. Nevertheless, he remains at the top of his game as he approaches the age of 50.

I took my very first formal surfing lesson on Kauai when I was 56, and to my great excitement, I was able to stand up on a small wave by the end and ride it.

During that same trip, I also learned paddleboarding, and instantly fell in love with it. Now, I engage in SUP all over the place.

At 64, I am considering taking up racing, and I also have a strong desire to attempt a SUP surf session.

Watching the highly skilled surfers in Kauai, I have developed an incredible admiration for the talent and athleticism of professionals like Kelly Slater and all the other American surf icons of that era.
July 14,2025
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Kelly Slater's memoir, which chronicles his life and career up until 2002, offers a fascinating glimpse into his world.

I found myself learning a great deal about Slater and the inner workings of the ASP Tour. However, I was somewhat disappointed that some of the lingo he used remained unexplained.

At times, the book felt like an egotistical recap of his many achievements. But, I suppose that's par for the course when reading a book that details the career of a six-time surfing world champion.

Despite its flaws, Slater's memoir is still a worthwhile read for anyone interested in surfing or the life of a professional athlete. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a career at the highest level of the sport.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and informative read about one of the most iconic figures in surfing history.
July 14,2025
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I truly relished listening firsthand to the story of how Kelly Slater evolved into the surfer and individual he is within the surf community.

Being a surfer myself, it serves as a profound inspiration for me to chase after my goals both in the water and in general life.

I have a deep appreciation for his honest portrayal of how he perceived things and the positive mindset he maintained throughout his entire career.

I firmly believe that this very attitude led him to ascend to the position of the greatest surfer of all time.

His journey is not only a source of motivation for fellow surfers but also a remarkable example of how a positive outlook and unwavering determination can lead to extraordinary achievements.

It makes me strive harder to reach my own potential and make a mark in the surfing world, just as he has done.

His story will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of surfers to come.
July 14,2025
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Finally got around to delving deeper into CB’s local legend.

I tuned in to the audiobook, and to my amusement, the reader blatantly mispronounced local street names and even Brevard county incorrectly.

Slater is more of a myth than a real person in CB. His baseball jersey adorns the walls of our high school gym, and a massive statue of him stands tall downtown.

I relished the first part of the book the most. Slater’s early childhood was so intertwined with the local landmarks and the wacky beach community that I too was raised in.

As the book delved into his pro surfing career, I hoped to experience some of the excitement of his victories. However, the chronology was a bit muddled, and even in the descriptions of his greatest triumphs, I failed to sense any of the emotion or passion associated with underdog wins or extraordinary rides.

Most of the book's conflict centers around Slater's desire not to "sell out," whether in choosing sponsors or winning competitions. But I can't help but feel that this book itself is a sell-out. He badmouths his hometown for its lack of waves and recognition (despite the fact that CB is where he learned to surf and, hello, what about THE STATUE?). He demeans his first sponsors as "inauthentic" when they were the ones who gave him his big break. And he描绘s a fractured childhood home life that seems to mirror the one he allegedly provides for his (long-distance) daughter.

It's a decent attempt at an autobiography, but it falls short in terms of honesty, humility, and writing. (Also, next time, let Slater prooflisten to the audiobook recording - the pronunciation issues were laughable.)
July 14,2025
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To a surfer, this was an incredibly fascinating read. It was like paddling into the surf right beside Kelly Slater and getting to hear all about his deepest fears, his lofty ambitions, and the numerous obstacles he has faced in life. I truly enjoyed it a great deal!


It will not, of course, be able to match William Finnegan's Pulitzer Prize-winning work in terms of the quality of writing, such as "Barbian Days". However, it did seem to offer a very candid and honest view of the life that Kelly has lived. He has had a remarkable journey as both a Hollywood actor and a world champion surfer. But despite all his achievements, I would not want to live his life.


Perhaps it's because the pressures and challenges that come with such a high-profile and diverse career are just too great. Or maybe it's because everyone has their own unique path and set of desires. In any case, this book provides an interesting glimpse into the life of a remarkable individual.

July 14,2025
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This is a truly great book that is highly recommended for fans of Kelly.

The use of lower diction in this book makes it an easy and quick read. It allows readers to breeze through the pages without getting bogged down by complex language.

However, don't let the simplicity of the language fool you. This book is also very enjoyable for those who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of where this incredible surfer, Kelly, came from.

It provides insights into his early life, his passion for surfing, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of Kelly or simply interested in learning more about the world of surfing, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It offers a unique perspective on the life and career of one of the most iconic surfers of our time.
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