The surf's up for Lewis Hamilton!

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Lewis Hamilton indulged in a new off-season thrill, the five-time world champion initiating himself to the pleasures of surfing alongside American surf legend and friend Kelly Slater.

Hamilton, donned with a wet suit, was seen crashing the waves, the 11-time surfing world champion in tow, in a video posted on Instagram.

'New year, new sport, time to learn new things. Thank you #goat Kelly Slater for teaching me! That was rad,' he wrote.

Unsurprisingly, Hamilton looked quite adept on the board, although the venue looked chilly.

Check out the video of the F1 star' making a splash.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.