CC: When dealing with the ocean and the power of Mother Nature, how or when did you get over fearing the waves?
KS: You just adapt and never totally get over that fear I guess, but you become more and more comfortable with being around it in a healthy way that works. You have to be ready for a lot in life. Fear of the ocean is a good fear and makes you aware of things that can happen if you're not aware of things around you.
CC: What do you think you would be doing if you were not a surfer? Did you always know it was your destiny to be a pro?
KS: I'd be playing music, fishing, maybe working in alternative health and diet in some fashion. I've never wanted to be anything else than a pro surfer since a pretty early age, though.
CC: In music, it’s always been important to connect spiritually. What inspires you to compete?
KS: Doing what I do the best way possible in a way that I haven't before and that others get a kick out of. If I didn't have people out there supporting me, I wouldn't do what I do now. That inspires me. Working with kids inspires me.
CC: What was your first or most influential show that you went to as a youth?
KS: My first three shows were INXS, Oingo Boingo, and Midnight Oil.
CC: You have been described to me as the Michael Jordon of surfing. What do you think about that?
KS: That's pretty crazy to think of being compared with that guy. I'm honored.
CC: What impact have women had in your life? They always say behind every great man is a great woman. In our respective fields, we get a lot of attention from women. How does that effect you?
KS: Women are the best and worst thing for men. When we use that opportunity the wrong way for ourselves it brings us down, but definitely every good man has a great woman there inspiring him. I think women run the world and we men only pretend to to try and get the girl they're after. I've had some great women in my life, from my mom to my daughter to partners I've had.
CC: How did you get to know Jack and Eddie?
KS: Jack and I just met surfing on the North Shore as teenagers and I met Eddie through my love of music (and Pearl Jam) and his love of surfing. Sometimes I think it's crazy I know those guys because they've really become iconic figures in music and just as good people. But then they're just Jack and Eddie, which is cool.
CC: What's your favorite place to visit not withstanding the quality of the water or surfing?
KS: Probably Fiji cause the people are so happy and nice to each other and everyone.
Thanks to both Citizen Cope and Kelly Slater for their candid interviews; special thanks to Michael Eaton for putting this all together. Find out more about Citizen Cope at www.citizencope.com