Cat’s out of the bag. The World Surf League announced this morning that they have acquired Kelly Slater Wave Company for an undisclosed sum of money, and as Paul Speaker and the WSL have reiterated, the possibilities are infinite. Unsurprisingly, this news, like many things that Kelly Slater does, transcends surf media.
Natalie Morales of the Today Show headed to Lemoore, California to connect with Kelly Slater and even catch a few waves on a dialed back version of the quickly mythical surf ranch.
“The vision for me was to make the best quality wave you can make by man,” Slater told Morales. “Nothing replaces the ocean. We live our lives traveling and following the seasons. This is never going to be intended to replace the ocean. It’s just a supplement to it.”
WSL President Paul Speaker commented on the wave’s potential inclusion and application in the short term.
“We believe that in the short term, we will see new events on this wave,” said Paul Speaker. “I believe you are going to see this technology in a number of places. Inland and in emerging markets, so it’s a game changer.”
In reports that have emerged since the announcement of the acquisition, Slater has reiterated that the location in Lemoore is only a test facility, potential training facility, and the moment for the public to experience the product has yet to be determined.
All that said, this might be the most epic field report we’ve ever seen on a major network. Check the screenshot below.
