Kelly Slater Drops In On US Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  - Stab Mag
1170 Views

Kelly Slater Drops In On US Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

Are politics in the GOAT’s future?

news // Jan 17, 2024
Words by August Howell
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Never a dull moment on the North Shore. 

Five months removed from hip surgery, Kelly Slater was seen this week sharing waves with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is currently running for president of the United States via an independent We The People party. 

Peter King documented a party wave with Kelly and Robert longboarding together at ​​Puaʻena Point, where in a strange twist of fate, the career politician had to coax the 11x world champ to his feet. Hell of a paddle by Kelly to catch that four-inch piece of chop, but we’re still giving him a triangle.

As his name implies, Kennedy has deep ties with American politics. He’s the son of the late U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy and nephew of the former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Both Roberts (Kelly and and Kennedy) are outspoken critics of government-mandated vaccination policies in the wake of COVID-19. While Kennedy has received support for goals like free childcare programs, reducing housing costs and legalizing psychedelics to treat mental health, the presidential candidate has been accused of promoting conspiracy theories and has been scrutinized for spreading misinformation about vaccinations and the COVID-19 virus. 

Politics: damned if ya do, damned if ya don’t.

Slater and Kennedy commemorated the North Shore moment with a joint Instagram post that also featured Hawaiian tube slayer Shayden Pacarro and Tahitian prince Matahi Drollet.  

With Kelly set to turn 52 in a few weeks, one has to wonder if he’s eyeing other opportunities outside of the WSL’s Championship Tour. As someone who is not shy about speaking their mind, might politics be in those plans? Too early to say, especially with Pipe just two weeks away.

Who else wants to see a walk-off victory?

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

The Long Year Starts Here

A Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach preview.

Mar 30, 2026

Is The Aussie Treble A Crystal Ball?

An SUV is nice, but the numbers suggest the World Title comes with it too.

Mar 30, 2026

Watch: The Kelly Files Vol. 2

"If your mind isn’t open to discovering new things on different waves, you just get…

Mar 29, 2026

Who’s Gonna Win The 2026 World Title?

Picks from Josh Kerr, Sterling Spencer, Dane Henry, Jimmy Wilson, and more industry heavies.

Mar 27, 2026

The Top 5 Aerialists Of All Time, According To Chippa Wilson | StabMic Episode 07

"The sections he hits are beyond gnarly."

Mar 27, 2026

“People Were Fucking Swimming Out Of Their Homes In The Middle Of The Night”

A North Shore flood report from Nathan Fletcher and lifeguard Kyle Foyle.

Mar 26, 2026

Stab’s 2026 Rookie Class Review Featuring Owen Wright, Doug Silva, And CJ Hobgood

Crisp insights from a 4x CT winner, a supercoach, and a World Champ.

Mar 25, 2026

Could Paul Naudé Buy Rip Curl At A $200 Million Discount?

Corporate lobotomy at Kathmandu.

Mar 25, 2026

Watch: The Kelly Files Vol. 1

Unredacted interviews from Stab in the Dark X + Kelly's boards up for grabs.

Mar 25, 2026

Breaking: Gabriel Medina Has A New Coach For 2026

He's a fellow Brazilian world champ, heat tactician, and dare we say the perfect man…

Mar 25, 2026

Teaching People How To Surf Is Now A Legitimate Career Path

Enter the land of private jets and A-list cliques.

Mar 24, 2026

Robbo’s Back On Track(tors), Medina’s Ménage À Trois, Rip Curl Drops Wright, Tenōre In Turmoil 

Some days you’re the dog, some days you’re the hydrant.

Mar 22, 2026

A 15-Year-Old Snowboard Phenom + A 3-Minute Tube Hunter Walk Into StabMic

“If I didn’t have a GoPro, no one would believe me,” says Koa Smith.

Mar 21, 2026

Stab Interview: Israel’s First CT Surfer

Anat Lelior on military service, online hate, and her unique path to professional surfing.

Mar 19, 2026

Watch: Episode Two Of ‘VELA’ Featuring John John Florence

This time with Nate, Ivan, and another untouched reef pass.

Mar 19, 2026

So, What Do CT Surfers Think About Manu Bay?

A scene report from the Tasman Sea with Jack Robinson, Connor O’Leary, Luke Cederman, and…

Mar 18, 2026

What’s It Actually Like Surfing Mundaka?

A day in the life of a non-local goofy.

Mar 17, 2026

How To: Quit Professional Surfing

At what point do you walk away from the endless QS > CS > CT…

Mar 17, 2026
Advertisement