Kelly Slater, the 11-time world champion surfer, is anticipating the arrival of his first child with his longtime girlfriend, Kalani Miller. The couple, who have shared 16 years together, revealed their pregnancy via Instagram, sharing a heartwarming video of them wading into the sea, showcasing Kalani’s blossoming baby bump.
The news has surprised many, given Slater’s age of 52 and his previous parenthood with his grown-up daughter, Taylor, aged 28, from a past relationship. Kalani, 36, has voiced her aspirations of building a family with Kelly, expressing her desire for “two or three” children in a 2019 interview. Their joyful announcement featured Ben Harper’s “The Three Of Us,” with Miller simply captioning the post with a heart emoji.
Kelly Slater and Kalani Miller’s journey began nearly two decades ago at an event in San Diego, California. Miller, an accomplished surfer and entrepreneur who co-founded a renowned swimsuit brand in 2008, hails from the state, while Slater, a native of Florida, frequented the area for surf competitions and other related endeavors.
Despite their bustling schedules, the couple has nurtured a strong bond, with Miller frequently voicing her aspirations for a future with Slater, which includes marriage and children. She affectionately refers to Slater as her “ride or die,” highlighting his unwavering passion for surfing and his admirable character.
The announcement of their impending parenthood arrives five years after Miller openly discussed her longing for children with Slater during a 2019 interview with Graham Bensinger. She shared the complexities of balancing career aspirations with family desires, especially considering Slater’s competitive nature and illustrious surfing career. Nonetheless, she remains hopeful that Slater will find a harmonious equilibrium between both aspects of his life, including potential retirement from surfing to prioritize parenthood.
Surf Legend Kelly Slater, Girlfriend Kalani Expecting First Baby Togther https://t.co/1XQM5EdDTq
— People (@people) March 20, 2024
Kelly Slater has previously reflected on the toll his career has taken on his relationship with his daughter, acknowledging feelings of remorse for not being sufficiently present during her formative years. This acknowledgment underscores the couple’s decision to embark on this new journey of parenthood, navigating the challenges of juggling professional obligations with the joys and responsibilities of raising a child.
Their announcement has been met with an outpouring of warm congratulations from friends and peers within the surfing community, with messages of support and anticipation for the latest addition to their family.
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