Surfing legend Kelly Slater opens up about her hopes for her unborn son – and the health secrets behind her incredible ability to take on the world’s best well into her 50s.

Kelly Slater has revealed some of the health secrets behind his record-breaking professional surfing career while speaking about his hopes for the baby he will soon have with partner Kalani Miller.

Many thought the greatest career in the sport’s history had come to an end at Australia’s Margaret River Pro earlier this month, when Slater fought back tears after being knocked out by points leader Griffin Colapinto.

He hugged his friend and rival, walked away from the beach and told his fans: “It’s not all rosy, you know? But it was the best time of my life.

After winning the world title a record 11 times and 56 Championship Tour victories, no one could blame Slater for giving up the sport he loves.

After all, he’s expecting his first son with pregnant partner Kalani Miller and is spending time on the Gold Coast to get some much-needed rest.

Many thought Slater had retired while chaired on the beach following his elimination from the Margaret River Pro (pictured).

Even at 52, Slater, an 11-time surfing champion, was still able to compete with the best young talents in the world.

Surprisingly, however, Slater plans to continue competing on the professional tour well into his 50s.

“It’s really funny because I never said the word retirement,” he said this week.

“I am retiring from full-time competition. (But) I will still do some competitions, those that I enjoy and that I have the opportunity to do.

“I don’t chase titles and all that these days. I have a lot of things I’m working on and things I’m passionate about.

So how does Slater keep his body and mind sharp enough to compete against the best in the world at his age?

“I have tried many things over the years, to maximize my output and stay young and youthful.” Fortunately, I was able to have a long career because I remained injury-free and healthy,” he told News Corp.

“I just take care of myself and that’s probably maybe the number one thing in my life. My girlfriend and I make sure the ingredients are healthy and natural and try to limit processed foods, sweets and sugars. It’s a big part of our lives.

Slater will continue to compete in professional events after the birth of his child, but he will be more selective and will not aim for world titles.

Slater said the key to staying young is having a healthy lifestyle and staying injury-free.

The Floridian also attributes his incredible longevity in the sport to the fact that he barely touches alcohol, saying his grog motto is “just take a sip here and there.”

For now, though, impending parenthood is firmly on Slater’s mind.

He already has one child, Taylor Slater, 28, a renowned photographer and painter.

Kelly is ready to become a parent again and hopes the new arrival has the best traits of himself and his partner Kalani Miller.

“We’re really excited, a little nervous, a little scary, but that’s part of the excitement and anticipation that comes with being a parent,” Slater said.

“I’m usually pretty calm in stressful situations. Kalani is much more organized, more active with everything she needs to accomplish. So I hope our child is like that.

“But it’s also fun to like thrills and excitement, so maybe a little more of the physical life that I love and the balance of life that she loves.”