He is one of our favorites - a true gentleman. Taj Burrow, 37, has announced his retirement from professional surfing. His ultimate pro surfing contest will be Fiji Pro.
Taj Burrow was born on June 2, 1978, in Busselton, Western Australia.
He caught his first wave when he was only seven, and ten years later, he earned a place in the ASP World Tour.
However, Burrow declined the spot because he considered he was "too young to do the tour full-on."
One year later, the young gun claimed the "Rookie of the Year" award.
Taj's first big win was at the 1999 Coke Surf Classic Manly, but he would conquer a total of 12 Dream Tour event trophies throughout his career.
Why does Taj have so many fans? Easy.
His contagious, trademark smile, creative surfing, and well-known good spirits - whether in victory or defeat - can only conquer the hearts of surfers from all generations.
"The sport has given me so many years of incredible waves, experiences, and friendships that I'll never forget," expressed Taj Burrow.
"The WSL officials and competitors have not only pushed me to be a better surfer but have also become family to me."
"I feel really happy at the moment and happy with my decision. I can't wait to experience a bit of freedom and get away from the same schedule I've had for two decades."
18 Seasons in the CT
Taj Burrow finished the Championship Tour (CT) in runner-up position twice: 1999 and 2007.
He never lost his spot on the elite level in the past 18 seasons. Taj is a Pipe Master, and he recently made history with Mark Mathews at The Right.
The Western Australian was the star of multiple surf movies, including "Sabotaj" (2000), "Montaj" (2002), "Hit and Run," "Stranger Than Fiction," "Trilogy," "Still Filthy," "Snapt 1" and "Snapt 2."
In 2003, he published "Taj Burrow's Book of Hot Surfing" and two years later, he founded the iconic Taj's Small Fries.
This signature junior surfing event has continuously showcased Australia's upcoming talents.
Thank you for the waves you rode, Taj Burrow.
Taj Burrow | ASP World Tour Career Victories
1999 | Coke Surf Classic Manly | Australia
1999 | Rio Marathon Surf International | Brazil
2001 | Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast | Australia
2002 | Mundial Coca-Cola de Surf | Brazil
2004 | Nova Schin Festival | Brazil
2007 | Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay | South Africa
2007 | Rip Curl Pro | Australia
2009 | Billabong Pipeline Masters | Hawaii
2010 | Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast | Australia
2012 | Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast | Australia
2012 | O'Neill Cold Water Classic Santa Cruz | USA
2013 | Hurley Pro Trestles | USA
Taj Burrow | ASP & WSL Career
2nd (1999, 2007)
3rd (2003, 2008)
4th (2002, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011)
5th (2013)
6th (2000, 2004, 2012)
7th (2005)
9th (2014)
12th (1998)
16th (2015)
35th (2001)