Kelly Slater’s hometown is Cocoa Beach, Florida, where the future world champion began surfing as a child.
Slater was born in Cocoa Beach on February 11, 1972. The Atlantic beach town became closely associated with him as his career developed, and a statue honoring Slater stands near the Cocoa Beach Pier. The city is also home to the Florida Surf Museum, which highlights the state’s surfing history.
Slater went on to become one of surfing’s most successful competitors. He won 11 World Surf League men’s world titles, including his record-setting 10th championship in 2010 and his final title in 2011. He also became the youngest men’s world champion in 1992 and, later, the oldest.
Cocoa Beach is sometimes confused with nearby Florida surf towns such as New Smyrna Beach, another important East Coast surfing location. However, Cocoa Beach is the city most specifically linked with Slater’s upbringing and public legacy.