10.24.01
Press Release

After a 3 year hiatus from full time event competition, six-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater (USA) returns to the Association of Surfing Professionals' World Championship Tour. Quiksilver, Slater's sponsor of 12 years, is the proud host of the surfing star's first event back on Tour, the Quiksilver Pro at Kirra, Australia, that will kick off the 2002 season in March. "We are excited to support Kelly, a long-time part of the Quiksilver family, as he continues to push the boundaries of surfing with his extraordinary talent," said Bob McKnight, CEO of Quiksilver Inc.

"To have Kelly Slater back on the ASP WCT Tour is great news for professional surfing and surfing in general. Kelly is universally recognized as the greatest surfer of all time and at only 29 years of age, he will be in the prime of his career in 2002," commented Harry Hodge, President of Quiksilver International.

Slater, from Cocoa Beach, Florida, is the sport's most decorated athlete. From early in his career, it was clear that Slater was destined for greatness, winning his first world title, and becoming the youngest to do so, at age 20 in 1992. Since then, he has dominated the tour, winning events around the globe, and becoming the highest prize money winner in the history of the sport. Slater set a record in 1998 when he won his 5th consecutive world title. Now with a total of six titles, also a record, he is indisputably regarded as the best surfer in the world.

There is much anticipation about the impact of Slater's return on his career and the future of the ASP. Bruce Raymond, Managing Director of Quiksilver International commented, "Many would think, what else is there to prove? Well, Kelly has nothing to prove. The ASP Tour is proving to be the best venue to see how far the world's most experienced surfers can push the limits, and Kelly is sure to reach new levels."

Slater himself is looking forward to contributing to a new direction in 2002. "I'm extremely excited and I think that it's a good time for me personally to get back on the Tour," commented Slater. "I also hope to be able to help the ASP make some positive changes within the sport of surfing itself."

The ASP is eager as well to commence the 2002 season with Slater on board. "News of the return of Kelly Slater to the tour warmed my heart," said Wayne 'Rabbit' Bartholomew, ASP President/CEO. "When Kelly first left, he was critical of some aspects of the Tour, and after 3 years of hard work, revamped progressive judging criteria and a Tour schedule promising the greatest waves on Earth in the best locations around the world, it's the best time for 'The Maestro' to return. This is indeed wonderful news."

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