When 18-year-old Kelly Slater joined the world tour, 30 years old was considered "too old" to still be surfing competitively. Three decades and eleven World Titles later, Slater's very presence in the Pipe Masters defines the physics of surfing's Peter Pan Syndrome. Although Slater did not - as he'd outwardly hoped - qualify for the Olympics, or beat John John Florence, or make the finals, this mind-bending ten point ride in the quarterfinals from the 47-year-old Slater was enough to dominate headlines over the event's eventual champ, reminding us that even when he loses, Slater wins.
