Kelly Kelly Kelly! What would pro surfing be without him? Nevermind his mind-blowing, history-breaking performances and longevity, how is it that when he gives interviews you find yourself hanging on every word he utters whether he’s talking about surfing or something completely unrelated?

In part 1 of an exclusive 2-part interview with The Inertia, the 11-time champ discusses what it means to possibly be “The Greatest Athlete Ever”, how Andy Irons continues to influence him, the loss of his father, as well as the future of Kelly Slater Wave Company.

Stay tuned for part 2 same time next week, in which Kelly chats politics, gun control, morality, why he likes to wind up people on social media, and how the surfer stereotype has affected his approach to being a leader.