He may not be an intellectual giant of the world but Kelly Slate outshines all other surfers when it comes to being worldly and admired.
See his comments after surfing here in Bali last week
Padang Padang Surf Photo by WavesofHope Bali
Regardless of whether you surf or not, much of Bali's tourism and influx of money is driving by surfing and when Kelly Slater talks on twitter/Facebook the surfing world listens.
Some might say 'hey, I'm an expat and I'd prefer less tourism" but the problem needs to be highlighted at the highest levels if this island is to survive.
I believe there was a very good article in Time last year (paradise lost?). anyone got the link?