Slater hasn’t given any indication that he is ready to retire just yet and who can blame him? At the ripe age of 41, he’s still dominating the sport and is currently ranked No. 1 on the ASP World Tour. Granted, there will never be another “Kelly Slater”; a global superstar with 11 world championships that has transcended the sport, but Slater is obviously nearing the end of his career and for the sake of pro surfing, it needs a “savior.”
Here are five candidates who could accept the torch from Kelly.
The San Clemente surf rat is only 19 years old but he has already made a name for himself on the circuit. Andino actually holds the record for most National Scholastic Surfing Association championships with nine, and this summer he finished runner-up in the U.S. Open of Surfing. At only 19, the sky is the limit for this kid.
The defending ASP World Champion already has had a pretty amazing run in his 12 years on the pro circuit. The Queensland native finished second place in the ASP World Championship Tour four times before finally getting the monkey off his back by capturing the 2012 ASP title. At 32 years of age, Parko is no longer some young pup climbing up the ladder. He’s in his prime right now with hopes of capturing another world title for his legacy. If Slater retired fairly soon, Parko’s talent could be even more appreciated and recognized and I’m sure Parko would most certainly welcome being ‘the face’ of pro surfing.
Julian is only 24 years old and currently sits at No. 2 in the ASP Men’s World Rankings and finished 9th on the circuit last season. He has already put up some impressive performances by capturing wins at both the Rip Curl Pro in Portugal and the U.S. Open in Huntington Beach last year.
Wilson will thrive over the next decade and has an incredibly high ceiling. Plus, the man is no stranger to the ladies. After every heat there are girls waiting for him onshore in hopes to get pictures and autographs as if he’s Justin Bieber. With J-Dub’s talent and sponsorship from Nike, Hurley and Red Bull, there is no doubt that he could be mass marketed even outside the surfing world.
This ranking is highly debatable because Jordy is most certainly deserving to be the heir-apparent to Slater’s throne. The South African is similar to Slater in a couple of ways. He’s a fierce competitor with incredible style (known for his rodeo flips), has done some modeling, and dates models. Well, in Jordy’s case, he’s engaged to model Lyndall Jarvis.
Smith is currently ranked No.1 in the world in the men’s rankings and has posted impressive wins at the 2010, 2011, and 2013 Billabong Pro. Smith’s first ASP World title is just around the corner and there is no doubt that he’s in a prime spot to capitalize on his talent and marketability.
John John Florence is the truth and the future of surfing. The 20 year old shows a potential that rivals the likes of a young Lebron James when he entered the NBA. Others obviously agree when they honored Florence with the ASP Rookie of the Year award last year.
The Honolulu native has a house by Bonzai Pipeline, claims to have ridden a surfboard at the age of six months and has been the main source of pride for the Hawaiian people that have been desperate to fill the late Andy Irons’ spot. This kid is destined to lead the charge.
CraveOnline isn’t the only one that thinks John John is the future face of pro surfing. Hurley awarded him with a $4 million dollar contract earlier this year. You don’t get those deals unless someone believes in your talent and your ability to market board shorts.
Florence’s unique style often leaves fans and fellow opponents in awe. He flexed his skills in Bali this past summer at the Oakley Pro by landing what some say is the biggest aerial maneuver ever on the circuit with an insane 360 air that landed him a perfect 10. Florence’s unique style often leaves fans and fellow opponents in awe
There will be no questions of “Will John John ever win an ASP World Championship?” That assumption is as certain as the fact that water will still be wet tomorrow. The real question is “how many will he win?” Out with the old and in with the new. Surfing’s new savior is here.
Joshua Caudill is a writer for CraveOnline Sports, a surfing enthusiast and an expert on all things Patrick Swayze. You can follow him on @JoshuaCaudill85.
