Taj and the beautiful baby Arabella Rose Burrow.
Today we are saddened to hear that, after nearly two decades on the World Tour, Taj Burrow has officially announced the 2016 Fiji Pro will conclude one of the longest and most celebrated careers in the history of professional surfing.
“The sport has given me so much,” Burrow said. “Years of incredible waves, experiences and friendships that I’ll never forget. The WSL officials and competitors have not only pushed me to be a better surfer but have also become family to me.”
Over the years, the World Tour has seen many faces. Most are short lived while others, like Taj, give life to a fiery legacy that will burn bright for generations. His accomplishments and humble attitude laid the foundation for thousands and inspired millions. At just 17 years old, Burrow successfully qualified for the WCT, but respectfully declined qualification in favor of preparing another year. The following year he became the 1998 rookie of the year. Since then, Taj’s lustrous career boasts two runner-up finishes (1999 and 2007) and 12 hard-earned CT victories, including J-Bay, Snapper Rocks, Lower Trestles, and Pipeline, among many others.
Photo: John Barton
“Taj Burrow has made a huge contribution to the sport of surfing,” said WSL Commissioner, Kieren Perrow. “He is a surfer who inspired generations and sparked an approach that has raised the level of performance surfing in competition to unprecedented levels. The WSL is extremely fortunate to have had Taj on tour for nearly two decades and we wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”
As sad as we all are to see him go, we wish Taj the best of luck as he embarks on his next adventure into the wonderful gift that is fatherhood. We’ll miss you, Taj.
