http://www.swellnet.com.au/news/2678-kelly-slater-to-retire-again

Kelly Slater to retire again
IN: SURFPOLITIK BY STU NETTLE 14 COMMENTS MON 12TH DEC '11
tags: kelly slater retirement

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Stop me if you've heard this one before.

Kelly Slater, the evergreen 11-times world champion, has indicated he would only compete in selected events next year. In an interview reported on Reuters Slater once again broached the topic of retirement. "I'm in somewhat of a transition period," he said, "where I'm going to be re-evaluating my life - whatever is left on tour and what is going to be off tour."

Expanding further he said, "It's probably a little bit scary because you get so used to one thing but it's also exciting because you have a whole different life open up to you and a whole different opportunity to experience things."

It was, without doubt, the strongest indication we've had that Slater would retire. But then he dropped the old chestnut - he would be contesting the Quiksilver Pro, the first contest of the year. "I seem to do well there and that sets up my whole year but I don't know if I would have started the tour the last couple of years if it wasn't a Quiksilver contest."

Kelly Slater showing ambivalence to the following years tour has become a regular part of the programming, as is Kelly Slater changing his mind after he gets a good result at the Quiksilver Pro. Also, it'd be hard to imagine Slater turning his nose up at the carrot dangling in the fourth contest - the Volcom Pro at one of Slater's favourite places, Fiji.

And if he gets two good results in the first four events? Well, let's have another one just like the other one. I don't think the ASP needs to shell out for a gold watch just yet.