I want to surf better tomorrow. I want to surf better in 10 years. When I'm 50 I want to be a better surfer than I am now - for me it's a lifelong journey.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of continuous self-improvement and lifelong learning in any pursuit.
Kelly Slater expresses his desire for ongoing improvement in his surfing skills over time, highlighting that the journey of self-development is never-ending. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace the process of growth and mastery rather than fixating solely on immediate outcomes.
In practice
A coach might use this quote to inspire athletes to focus on long-term growth rather than just immediate results.
A lot of times I'll see guys who are nowhere near the level of the board they're riding. They might love surfing and love how it looks, but you really have to work your way up. It takes eating a little humble pie at first, and stepping back to equipment that might be a bit slow, but do it.
There are so many different elements to surfing. Small waves, big waves, long boards, short boards. This makes it a sport you can share with people. It's not just a solitary thing - it's become a family thing, too. It's about exercising and passing something on from father to son, and from mother to daughter.
I still feel like my best surfing is ahead of me.
It's a perfect wave when small and the most beautiful and scary wave on Earth when it's big, as the swell from deep water hits the shallow reef ledge. A ten-foot high wave and a 30-footer break in the same depth of water.
Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting.
No! Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
I tell aspiring young skaters to dream big, work hard, have fun, and follow their passion. It's simple to say never give up, but learn from your mistakes to keep growing.
You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.
You must endure what is painful to secure that which is profitable.
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