HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Quiksilver, Inc. (NYSE:ZQK – News) today announced that it has signed legendary 9-time ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Champion Kelly Slater to a 5-year endorsement contract, extending his sponsorship arrangement with the company and ensuring that the greatest surfer of all time will be sponsored by Quiksilver for his entire competitive career.

Robert B. McKnight, Jr., Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of Quiksilver, Inc., commented, “We couldn’t be more pleased than to continue our long-standing relationship with the greatest surfer the sport has ever known. Kelly has been a fantastic spokesman for Quiksilver, a terrific ambassador and promoter for the sport of surfing and a true friend of the company. Kelly continues to work toward broadening the exposure of surfing through projects such as his upcoming IMAX movie and he’s got some great ideas that we will work on together to enhance the marketability of surfing and bring surf competitions to a broader audience in new and innovative ways. Kelly’s agreement to accept a significant portion of his compensation in the form of Quiksilver stock demonstrates his confidence in Quiksilver and our future prospects. We are absolutely delighted to continue our partnership with Kelly.”

Kelly Slater added, “Quiksilver’s been family to me for so long it’s hard to remember a time before them. It might not come as a surprise to many people that I’ve re-signed with them but there have been major transitions in my life and many changes within Quiksilver. It’s a long relationship and things often alter over the course of time. In our case, we’ve got exciting projects that coincide and are still stoked working and surfing together. These next 5 years and beyond will end up being our best together. As we put our minds and efforts together capturing our lifestyle and creating product that reflects this, I see Quiksilver remaining the industry leader. Revisiting what got us there and breaking new ground into some unforeseen areas, it seems things are on the upswing and it’s a fresh time again.”

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The debate continues as to whether or not Kelly Slater will continue the world tour race and his 10th world title. There has been some talk both here and at other places as to Kelly’s position in the title race, but if Kelly is continuing his uphill battle to the title, the comment he makes after the Tahiti event show where is head is at…

STAB recently reported Kelly had surfed his last heat and we at SURF NEWS did too, but we were wrong it seems as STAB reports:

After speaking to rivals, the ASP and the man himself, it appears we were wrong. We apologize.

In our defense, the champ looked extremely deflated after his round-two exit from the Billabong Pro. It was his third 17th in succession and as he slumped on the seat of the Quiksilver boat, one leg pulled to his chest, his head lolling to the side and chatting with Raimana Van Bastolaer, it showed. Minutes later he appeared on the webcast and told commentator Greg Tomlinson: “That might have just given me a long vacation. It’s decision time… and I’m not really here to make up the numbers.”

Kelly’s antipathy toward the title race is nothing new. It was only last year he made similar threats before winning the championship in one of the most lopsided contests ever. STAB shouldn’t have bought it. World number two Taj Burrow, never did.

“He’s just lost three in a row. To Kelly, right now, those nine world titles wouldn’t even exist. He won’t wanna go out on that note,” said Taj.

Ending his career on a high is one thing. For Kelly to continue is to risk more than he stands to gain. Another poor result in Brazil would be a disaster. “Yeah, there is that too,” agreed Taj.

It’s an unenviable position for the champ. And according to men’s tour manager Renato Hickel, Kelly has less choice than it would seem. “You can’t just leave if you have a bad run. It would be an act of cowardice. If you have committed to the tour you should contest the whole year.”

As of right now, the ASP has not received the required notice of withdrawal. The last Renato heard, Kelly was looking for accommodation in Brazil.“But that was before his [heat loss] in Tahiti,” he admitted.

One person who would benefit from Kelly bailing is Jay “Bottle” Thompson. Bottle is only on the tour to make up for the absence of Luke Stedman, who has a twisted foot. Steds returns for Trestles in September. If Kelly bailed, Bottle would be allowed to stay. But even Bottle reckons Kelly should go the distance in 09. “As far as my career goes, it would be great [if Kelly left],” said Bottle, before adding, “[but] as far as surfing goes, it wouldn’t be good for the sport.”

World number eight Tom Whitaker says none of it would have affected Kelly’s decision. There is only one thing that’s been keeping Kelly on tour and nothing’s changed. “He likes travelling around the world,” said Tommy. “He loves Pipe. He’s definitely gonna go to [the Rip Curl Search] Portugal because the place where we are staying has a sick golf course. Plus he’s got a missus now to show the world.”

So has Slater racked his Merrick and sailed into the sunset? STAB spoke to the champ. This was his reply: “Not quite yet, buddy. I’m sure I’ll have a better announcement than an in-the-channel-online-banter to say I’ve quit. Thanks.”– Jed Smith

Photo: Michael Crawley

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