Surfing legend Kelly Slater is a  man who makes headlines  not just for his sporting feats,  but also his outspoken nature.

On podcasts and in social-media  posts, the 11-time world champ has made a habit of airing his forthright opinions on all manner of issues.

One of Slater’s key focuses has  been the pandemic. Early in the outbreak, he said it was “ridiculous” that surfing had been banned…

…and then, when the vaccine arrived, he declared that he knew a number  of people who had died after getting their shots against covid-19.

Slater’s strident views on health  have even seen him claim  that he knows “more about being healthy than 99% of doctors”. 

He's also vocal on animal welfare. He has called for jail time for the keepers of the killer whale Lolita, who died  this year after 53 years in captivity.

And Slater says he wants to see "all zoos and animal attractions" close,  unless they are "dedicated specifically  to conservation and rehab”.

He backs several conspiracy theories. He says the Zika virus was caused  by genetically modified mosquitos,  and that there's a cure for cancer.

The American has, what’s more,  stated his belief that the 9/11  terror attacks were an ‘inside job’ involving the CIA and Zionists.

In surfing matters, Slater weighed  in publicly when JP Azevedo punched  a woman on the waves in Bali, condemning the Brazilian. However,  he was later seen surfing with him.

The 51-year-old has also waded into the controversy surrounding transgender surfers, declaring they should compete in their own division.

Meanwhile, he pulled no punches when asked about the much-criticised judging tower for the 2024 Olympics, saying it “doesn’t make sense”.

And he couldn’t hide his disbelief when home town Cocoa Beach was named the US' top surf spot. “Been right under my nose my whole life,” he posted sarcastically, next to a 'laughing' emoji.

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