The guy can still get barreled on rights, that’s for sure. Photo: Firewire
Will Kelly Slater ever be truly retired? The 11-time world champ will probably be getting wildcards when he’s collecting social security checks the way things are going.
It was recently announced that Slater will compete in the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout from January 4-16. The specialty event pits teams against each other at Pipeline, with Slater lining up for the “A New Earth Project” squad alongside Jamie O’Brien, Moana Jones Wong, Koa Smith, and Shayden Pacarro.
O’Brien, the 2004 Pipe Masters champion, called it a “dream team.”
Slater last saw competitive action at the Trestles Pro in June. After missing the mid-year cut on the 2024 WSL Championship Tour, he was handed four wildcard appearances – Tahiti, Pipeline, Fiji, and Lower Trestles – with his best results coming from fifth-place finishes at Tahiti and Pipeline.
All eyes will be on how Slater, 53, looks after a recent hip replacement he announced just weeks ago.
“I am still out of the water for a few weeks, but looking forward to getting back in the water pretty soon in Hawaii,” Slater said.
Team Japan claimed the title last year, while Koa Rothman took individual honors. For 2026, it’ll be tough to bet against a Slater/JOB-led squad.
