Kelly Slater talks about supermodels, G-strings and shrinkage on NPR

*Updates to reflect that "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me" is a live show.

Kelly Slater, who has been elusive and evasive recently because all anyone seems to want to talk to him about is a controversial pro surfing tour he's helping to organize, was featured on NPR on Saturday. He spoke candidly and even cracked jokes.

That's because the questions were not about the so-called rebel tour but about Slater the nine-time ASP World Tour champion and cool guy who has dated supermodels. He was even questioned about bowling during a corny but amusing NPR game called "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me."

Slater, who like most pro surfers is articulate and possesses an impressive vocabulary, was asked before the game why he doesn't fit the stereotype of surfers and constantly use the term "dude."

Playing along, Slater confessed, "I'm sure that in my life I have said, 'Dude, that was so gnarly.'"

Asked to translate that phrase he said, "Hello, man. That was difficult ... or cool."

One of the guest hosts asked if jellyfish or sharks are an occupational hazard. Slater replied: "G-strings." Why G-strings? "They're a distraction," he said.

Asked by the host how to best combat "pruning to the fingers" during long periods in the water, Slater quipped: "It's the fingers you're worried about?" And laughter roared.

You can hear it all by clicking the NPR link above. If you're a Slater fan, it will make you smile.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Kelly Slater in action during the U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach earlier this summer. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[chris cantrell]

Kelly goes off - even on NPR!

http://www.stompandflow.com/2009/09/29/kelly-slater-npr-interview/

[nathan]

Dude, I don't think its a laugh track. "Wait, Wait...don't tell me" is a live show. It would be totally bogus if they used a laugh track.