Tale of Two Surfers: Rob & Kelly
What better way to kick off a new recurring series Tale of Two Surfers than with two living legends: Rob Machado & Kelly Slater.
This Series #TOTS is dedicated to a compare and contrast of surfers who are similar but different, aiming to offer some perspective on their styles and what they have to offer to the greater surfing world.
First we cannot put these two side by side without first revisiting ‘The High Five.’ A moment that is so permanently embezzled in the collective subconscious of surf a moment that will live on in the pantheon of competitive sport and echo through the eons.
Flash back to the 1995 Pipe masters for a proverbial clash of the titans. This moments sets up some of the dynamics at play between these two individuals. Kelly, game enough to even try to high five his opponent mid ride, and Rob @#%!ing chill enough to give the dap while posting a score. Some say Kelly took that heat with the high five by disallowing Rob to post a higher score.Â
These two are no strangers to competitions with each other, they began at a very young age shredding comps together as groms, in this way they helped progress the sport to new soaring Olympian heights since the 80′s. As groms and teens and fully grown men these guys have pushed each other to their maximum potential in their competitive Careers.
Look at these goons, how could you not love these guys?!
Once we reach the middle ages and legendary status for both guys we start to see the clear divergence in styles and offerings to the surf world. First we can look at heir boards:
Kelly with the Gamma a knifey ultra responsive wave weapon built for big heavy waves and competition. Rob with the Seaside, whose namesake was taken from his home break and is a round chill performance fish that grovels and plays like the most fun you will ever have on a dedicated quad fin hybrid. The designs of these boards and the divergent passions of these two legends show a clear split in their paths. Kelly, fully embracing that he has no quit into his 50′s never loosing a competitive edge and laying the patchwork for all up and coming competitive surfers- no one will touch his 11x world champion for decades to come. And Rob, going full free surfer inspiring generations of do-what-you-like and have fun doing it embracing your uniqueness and the ability to have the most fun and catch the most waves.
It’s great thing that these two would end up under the same Firewire umbrella in terms of their pro model surf boards. One of the clear industry leaders in board technology both quiver offerings from both riders offer that same level of differentiation that is apparent in their riding styles and career, and it’s a beautiful thing. Just look at their logos, as it will tell the same story. Rob’s hand drawn scritchy almost kokopele inspired invocation of the sea and Kelly’s ultra sleek and designer-y logo that screams performance and maximum shred. We love and respect both of these guys for their contributions, unique attitudes and skillsets and are stoked that the tale of these two surfers will exist forever.
