Kelly Slater To Reveal The Inner Workings Of His Innovative Mind

The annual creative and innovative outlet that is Semi Permanent is once again landing at Carriageworks, Sydney, the 24th to 26th of May. 

The epitome of what could most plainly be referred to as a ‘design festival’ has graced the city 15 times prior. But this time Kelly Slater is among the creative enigmas on display. 

One could argue many aspects of our beloved hobby are a far cry from buzzwords like transformative and creative design, but amongst the ubiquitous mediocrity, there are flourishes of philanthropic and design brilliance; when it comes to ingenuity, there aren’t many minds more widely spread than Mr Kelly Slater.

Outside of winning 11 World Titles, the 46-year-old has commanded the wave pool arms race, spread his shaping seed the world over through Slater Designs, and co-founded a holistic garment brand, Outerknown, which sits pretty on the outer circumference of upper-end surf apparel.

All while ensuring his business ventures remain inside his system of broader values, both ethically and aesthetically. Everything from developing algae-based tail-pads to transforming used fishing nets into reusable textile products, with OK co-founder, John Moore, alongside ECONYL. 

Kelly enjoying the fruits of one of his most prosperous ideas.

Regardless of your subjective murmurings concerning Kelly’s endeavours, the man has undeniable creative energy – the opportunity to tap into this is one that’s difficult to surpass, especially for those residing closeby in Sydney.

Mr Slater is in high demand. After competing in the Founders’ Cup at his Surf Ranch, Kelly is a talking point (although when is he not?) and everyone is eager to place their name or brand beside the greatest surfer of all time. 

While surfers aren’t commonly lauded for their ability to convey ideas, Kelly is one of surfing’s most articulate, rivalled only by the likes of Gerry Lopez and Shaun Thompson. (There won’t be any half-baked conjectures floating around during his Semi Permanent talk, we can almost guarantee that.)

Both Kelly and John will discuss the origins and history of Outerknown: the initial ideas, the mishaps, as well as working within a growing and global marketplace.

Whilst there’s no guarantee, the opportunity for a Q & A with Kelly Slater is also one which we’re sure many of you would pay to attend. 

For those who prefer creative outlets outside of surfing, there’s a range of heavyweights ranging from Nike footwear designer, Tinker Hatfield, to the VP of Design of AirBnB, Alex Schleifer. 

Semi Permanent will be running in conjunction with Vivid Festival, which appropriately self-exclaims the title of being “the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas.” Meaning you’ll also be able to dazzle in some of the best visual and live-music displays this side of the equator.

Oh, and of course, there’ll be plenty of food and drinks too.

A screening at Semi Permanent, 2016.

If any cleft of your brain is piqued by the thought of immersing yourself in the thick of it, then we suggest you purchase a ticket to what is something you won’t regret.

You can visit the site and if you’re so inclined, purchase tickets right here.