Kelly Slater, an 11-time World Surf League Champion, often reflects on the surfer who ignited his passion for the sport—Todd Chesser, a larger-than-life figure in the surfing world. Known for his daring approach, Chesser tackled some of the most formidable waves in the ocean. In 1994, he survived a near-drowning incident after being caught in a 20-foot wave at the North Shore of the Oahu Surf Break. With exceptional skill, he managed to escape the treacherous situation, emerging unharmed and smiling beneath the sun.
However, Chesser’s luck ran out three years later. On February 13, 1997, he attempted to ride a towering 25-foot wave at Alligator Rock, a notorious surf spot. Despite the efforts of his friends, Cody Graham and Aaron Lambert, Chesser was pulled under by the powerful current. His body was found near Waimea Bay, unconscious, and despite being rushed to Wahiawa Hospital, he was pronounced dead. This tragic loss deeply affected the surfing community. Chesser’s death was even more devastating because he was just months away from marrying his fiancée, Janet Rollins, with their wedding planned for August 2, 1997.
Kelly Slater frequently reflects on Chesser’s influence on him and the entire surfing community. Chesser, a key member of the Momentum Generation, remains a legend in North Shore surfing history. Known as the “greatest non-rated surfer in the world,” his legacy continues to inspire young surfers. Slater often honors Chesser, posting tributes on social media. In one touching tribute, Slater shared a video clip of Chesser’s surfing prowess and wrote, “Some clips of our brother who was gone too soon. I still feel like Chesser is as present a part of our group of friends today as he ever was.”
Chesser’s story began in Hawaii, where he moved with his family at three years old after a family tragedy. His father had died in an accident in Florida, prompting his mother, Jeannie, to relocate to Hawaii for a fresh start. Todd inherited his love for surfing from his mother, a decorated surfer with numerous national and world titles to her name. His talent and passion for the sport were evident early on.
Although Chesser initially found success in professional surfing, finishing fourth in the 1990 Professional Surfing Association of America Tour, he eventually shifted his focus to the thrill of riding big waves. Over time, Chesser developed his unique style, which influenced surfers like Ross Williams, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, and, most notably, Kelly Slater.
Chesser’s legacy was cemented in the 1992 surf film Momentum by Taylor Steele, where he appeared alongside Slater. Slater often recalls Chesser’s heart of gold, describing him as a “one-of-a-kind human and friend.” Though Chesser’s life was cut short, his impact on the surfing world endures. Slater once said, “If you had a chance to meet Todd or watch him surf giant Off-The-Wall by himself or paddle out solo to an outer reef, you know what kind of guy he was.” For Slater and many others, Todd Chesser left behind an irreplaceable void, but his influence continues to inspire surfers to this day.
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