Slater Returns, College Stars Rise & Surf Playlists
Hey Surf Snaps crew! This week delivered pure liquid gold for our community. From a comeback king returning to the waves to a college phenom making waves and the secret sauce behind an Olympian's training routine—here's the surf stoke you need.
Kelly Slater's Da Hui Comeback
Just when we thought retirement meant hanging up the board for good, Kelly Slater's back—and with a hip replacement no less! The 11-time world champ just announced he's competing in the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout (Jan 4-16) for the 'A New Earth Project' squad alongside Jamie O'Brien and Moana Jones Wong. O'Brien called it a 'dream team,' and honestly? We can't look away. Slater's last competitive action? A fifth-place finish at Pipeline after wildcard spots at Tahiti and Fiji. You can catch the full scoop from The Inertia. At 53 post-hip surgery? Slater's proving some legends never truly retire.
College Surf Star Addison McPhillips Shines
Over in California, Saddleback College's Addison McPhillips is crushing it! Just snagged first place at the National Scholastic Surfing Association contest, leading her team to a third-place finish out of 32 colleges. Started surfing at eight? Check. Finds surfing 'grounding'? Double check. Addison's favorite part? 'It's just you, the ocean and reading the waves.' With her team's support and coach Workman's guidance, she's representing college surfing at its finest. Get the full story via the Lariat. Keep an eye on this rising star!
Johanne Defay's Training Soundtrack
Ever wonder what fuels an Olympian's fire? Johanne Defay spilled the beans on her training playlist. Turns out, she's a pop-reggae-French music mixtape master! 'Music helps get happy and motivated when you're not feeling it,' says the Réunion Island champ. She's all about headphones to shut out the noise and admits Gabriel Medina's got the best Brazilian beats. But the real question? What song catches her perfect wave? 'Depends on the wave's rhythm, your feelings—scared, excited, just chilling...' Intrigued? Peek her full interview with Huck Magazine. Time to build your own surf playlist!
So there you have it: Slater's return, college surfers making history, and the beats behind big-wave training. Share your own surf stories or playlists with us—let's keep the stoke flowing!