Kelly exits the Quikpro France early

As you have probably heard me mention before, I am a fan of Kelly Slater and what he has done for surfing as a sport. Not only that but his video segments, free surfing and general countenance have given a lot of people a role model, in short he has set an amazing example to the rest of us mortals.

Now I have that out of the way I have to ask the question, what is going on with him at the moment? Dare I say it, is the age thing, is it finally starting to catch up to him. There was a time when Kelly could match anyone in the world at their chosen speciality and that is the way he used to win heats. He used to raise his rail game to match Taylor Knox or out air Da Souza even out barrel Shane Dorian at Pipe. So what has changed?

Kelly being beaten in the air by Kalohe Andino

Let me provide you with a theoretical scenario and see what you say. Imagine these heats if you will.

Kelly vs Medina in a heat where both can only get points from airs. Who would win?

Kelly vs Mick in a heat where both can only do turns. Who would win?

Kelly vs John John in a heat where both can only get pitted. Who would win?

As you know I remain a Kelly fan to this day but if I where answering honestly I would say that my money would be on Medina to out-air and Mick to out turn him, I might however still give the the king the nod in serious barrels (sorry John John). So is that what has changed? Maybe Kelly can still win world titles but perhaps he has to re-think how to go about beating his opponent. A good example of what I mean is Mick Fanning winning Trestles (traditionally an aerial wave) by sticking to what he does best, turns.

Now don't get me wrong, I want Kelly to come back and smash another world title, and I have no doubt that Kelly has it still in him but maybe a change of tactics is necessary?

Just asking the question as a concerned fan, that is all.