Kelly Slater on Passion, Mental Health, and Staying Competitive

In this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews Kelly Slater, widely recognized as the greatest professional surfer of all time. With 11 world championships under his belt and participation in the Olympics, Slater continues to dominate the sport at the age of 51, making him the oldest competitor in the World Surf League.

Morin sought to understand how Slater has maintained his passion for surfing for over 45 years without experiencing burnout. Their discussion also delved into Slater's mental health strategies and his ability to stay competitive without succumbing to exhaustion.

Here are key takeaways from the interview:

• Finding Relaxation Outside Your Passion: Slater emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that promote relaxation and are unrelated to one's passion. For him, playing the guitar serves as a soothing and enjoyable pastime. He has dedicated 35 years to learning and playing the guitar, but he does it solely for his own pleasure.

• Controlled Exposure to Stress: Slater incorporates cold water plunges into his routine as a means of exposing himself to controlled stressors. By immersing himself in ice-cold water and pushing his limits to stay immersed longer than he initially desires, Slater demonstrates the ability to override his brain's signals of discomfort. This practice reinforces the idea that one doesn't have to succumb to their brain's impulses.

• Embracing Struggles and Self-Doubt: Slater recognizes that struggles and self-doubt are inherent parts of the pursuit of excellence. Instead of letting these challenges deter him, he views them as motivators that propel him forward. He doesn't allow them to block his path but rather uses them as fuel for his determination.

Slater also discussed the positive impact of therapy in helping him navigate life's challenges. He credits regular therapy sessions with providing him immense support.

To learn more about Kelly Slater, visit his website or follow him on social media platforms. Additionally, the documentary "Make or Break" on Apple TV+ offers an intimate look at Slater's life and the 2021 World Surf League season.