Surfing Meets Flying
World champion surfer Kelly Slater took his first flight lessons in the Quest Kodiak turboprop, ferrying some of the world’s top surfers (and his investors) to the secret opening of his man-made Surf Ranch wave pool in Central California.
For Slater, an 11-time world champion surfer, earning his private pilot's license has been a desire for a long time. While planning to do flyovers of his new Surf Ranch wave pool and the solar panels that power it in Lemoore, California, Slater thought there was no time like the now to get started, and the team at Quest was more than happy to assist.
Photo by Todd Glaser
The intersection of surfing and flying might seem strange partners, but the Quest offers a good value proposition, with good speed, a surfboard-friendly cabin, luxury seating and low operating costs.
Photo by Todd Glaser
The rugged 10-seat turboprop needs less than 1,000 for takeoff at max weight and it can climb at over 1,300 feet per minute. The landing gear and 19-inch propeller clearance allow the Kodiak to easily handle touchdown, anything from airports to unimproved airstrips to gravel bars, getting pilots on the ground even when there isn't much real estate to work with, as is the case with many strips close to the waves, but far from larger airports.
Photo by Todd Glaser
Check out Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch. Yes, we want to go, too.
Kelly's Wave from Kelly Slater Wave Co on Vimeo.
Learn more about the Quest Kodiak at questaircraft.com.
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