The Momentum Files’ YouTube feed hits us with some heavy throwbacks daily. Take these two minutes as an example. Filmed for his section in the 2003 flick Campaign, this is Kelly in his prime. And it’s all footage that, according to Taylor Steele, didn’t make the cut.
At the time, Slater was six world titles deep into his 11, fresh back on the World Tour roster after “retiring” from 1999 to 2001, and at the beginning of what would become a legendary rivalry with Andy Irons. At 31, the King still had five titles to go, wave pools weren’t a thing that existed (or that he owned), and he was flying around on Al Merrick shapes with bigger outlines and a giant K plastered to the deck. Most noticable perhaps, is the trademark speed with which he’s always surfed is clearly on display.
