By Joseph Salvador The surfer reflected on some of the struggles he faced early in his career in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated. Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Kelly Slater is widely considered to be the best professional surfer to ever live with a record 11 world titles on the World Surf League Championship Tour. At 50 years old, he’s still competing in the sport that he loves. It hasn’t always been a sm…