In this week’s newsletter - the UK’s finest surf writer and Beach Grit’s provocateur-in-chief tackles the question of Kelly’s overall GOAT status in light of his recent Pipe triumph.
"...he becomes a symbol of hope for their own uncertain futures...." was my favourite line in this excellent piece of provocative but pointless contrarianism, closely followed by the Phil Taylor comparison. But arguing about GOATs is always a bit silly isn't it? "There can be only one"?!
Beautifully written, sir. Sometimes as a fifty years old, is easy to like another old man ripping waves , and we don't see the whole picture. Appreciate your opinion, never thought how lucky I am to live close to the ocean and able to surf lonely waves ....
Always a subject that is worth an argument over a few beers.
In my opinion (for what it's worth), GOATS can only be GOATS in their own sport/environment. If we measure Slater's goatyness in professional "competitive" surfing, then there is no doubt that he is top of the pile.
You might need to add an additional "in the modern era" though, like you would in many sports.
Technology, greater understanding of training, nutrition, and money have given our modern day heroes a massive leg up compared to their own idols. How good would Duke Kahanamoku have been if he had a thruster?
But, that is just one measurement. If we judge it in "surfing style", we have a different conversation all together.
"...he becomes a symbol of hope for their own uncertain futures...." was my favourite line in this excellent piece of provocative but pointless contrarianism, closely followed by the Phil Taylor comparison. But arguing about GOATs is always a bit silly isn't it? "There can be only one"?!
Pointless contrarianism? On the internet? It’ll never catch on
Beautifully written, sir. Sometimes as a fifty years old, is easy to like another old man ripping waves , and we don't see the whole picture. Appreciate your opinion, never thought how lucky I am to live close to the ocean and able to surf lonely waves ....
Always a subject that is worth an argument over a few beers.
In my opinion (for what it's worth), GOATS can only be GOATS in their own sport/environment. If we measure Slater's goatyness in professional "competitive" surfing, then there is no doubt that he is top of the pile.
You might need to add an additional "in the modern era" though, like you would in many sports.
Technology, greater understanding of training, nutrition, and money have given our modern day heroes a massive leg up compared to their own idols. How good would Duke Kahanamoku have been if he had a thruster?
But, that is just one measurement. If we judge it in "surfing style", we have a different conversation all together.