Kelly Slater: Letting Go

Back in 1991, Kelly Slater starred in his first one-man video surf exhibition entitled “Kelly Slater in Black and White”. It was a watershed moment for pro surfing and surf videos alike. It pushed the limits of what was thought possible for waveriding and focused its lens on one surfer exclusively. It was all new.

But after 15 years of constant traveling, competing, and progressing, no definitive video document has surfaced to capture the modern Slater persona as did “Black and White.” Countless other surfers have released their own star vehicles. Tom Curren, Taj Burrow, Chris Ward, and Bruce Irons have solidified their performance levels and public images while Slater, who is unarguably the greatest surfer and surf personality on the planet, has settled for being a snippet, a cameo, or a featured surfer in countless videos.

This changes with the release of “Letting Go,” a film that chronicles the highs and lows of Kelly Slater’s quest for an historic 7th World Title. In his own words, Slater talks candidly about each professional event and each critical heat on the 04/05 would tour schedule. We see a much more honest and unguarded Slater than we have in previous interviews and articles. Even after his biography was published, fans were never really invited behind the scenes. In “Letting Go”, interview topics range from the Irons/Slater rivalry, Slater’s obsession with winning, and even some discussion of questionable judges’ decisions.

The performance footage is mindbending as we witness Kelly’s creative, powerful surfing style pushed confidently and unsparingly under oppressive pressure of money, points, and fans.

As a viewer, it seems that “Letting Go” operates on three levels. First, it is some candid dialogue from surfing’s most legendary figure.

It is a travelogue that chronicles the 2005 “Dream Tour”.

Most importantly, “Letting Go” is a rip roaring shredfest of the highest order that highlights some of his best competitive moments as well as some great footage of Dane Reynolds and a host of other "young guns" and top pros.

“Letting Go” includes some interviews with surfing personalities like Martin Potter, Mark Richards, Ross-Clarke Jones, and many current tour performers and also boasts several extras.

This video deserves a place on my shelf right next to “Searching for Tom Curren” as a definitive document exhibiting a legendary surfer at the height of his powers.