Kelly Slater: a bronze statue for his golden status

Kelly Slater and the state of Florida have been offered a bronze statue in honor of the ten world titles conquered by the surfer from Cocoa Beach.

Hundreds of fans attended the unveiling event, and humor was all around.

"I've never thought they'd stop traffic for me," joked Kelly.

The work of art stands at Triangle Park, on State Road A1A, across from the "Glass Bank."

Skip Beeler, the mayor of Cocoa Beach, had the opportunity to highlight Slater's brilliant surfing career and the pleasure of erecting this bronze statue in his homeland.

Cocoa Beach's new attraction was designed by Sam Drazich and his sister Tasha, and it took four years to be completed. The overall investment is worth $150,000.

The "new" Kelly Slater is 11 times the original's height and is built to withstand 140 mph winds. Florida is definitely proud of his best-known surfer boy.

"We're famous for astronauts and space, and he ranks almost with them. What he's done is not likely to happen again, just like walking on the moon", Beeler said.

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"I'm at the lake. The wind is forecast to pick up through the day with some moderate gusts, but we have a small weather window to paddle. I think it's fine!" pings a WhatsApp message one late April morning.