20 years ago, locals from Yallingup on the WA coast recall a little kid out surfing with his parents. That kid busted out aerials like no-one else, and they all knew that one day he'd go far. Well, they were right, and this week he's put an end to 18 years on the pro tour. 18 exceptional years without a bad mark to his name.

That bloke, is Taj Burrow, and on arrival to the Margaret River Pro this week, announced that he'll be staying on the WA coast from now on, and retiring from the pro tour. After his favourite event of course - the Fiji Pro in June, where the worlds elite will wave goodbye to one of their best mates against the backdrop of a firing Cloud Break. That means he'll miss out on the world title, never quite getting the better of the last two decades best surfers. He's come so close, with plenty of second places, and consistent top-ten placings each and every single year. No injuries, no arrests, no outrageous partying, and no fights - he's known as an all round nice bloke, and that's why the worlds surfing community is sad to see him go.

"I'm really happy to call it quits. Because it has been stressing me out. I'd like to avoid the word 'retiring' however, I think it's more of a transition - I am retiring from competitive surfing, but I'm not retiring."

Don't be sad though, he's off to be the worlds best Dad - a title that he's surely going to win. Last October Taj and his girlfriend Rebecca Jobson gave birth to their daughter Arabella; and Taj says that now, he's lost the hunger to win.

So hats off to Taj for a great run, and good luck in whatever the future holds. We'll see you out the back at a beachie in WA soon…

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