The offending/informing post.

Well then, 2017 is going to be the year that surfing’s Greatest Of All Time hangs up his booties?

Apparently, according to the man himself, as posted on Instagram earlier today. 

Kelly has gone and come, from and to, the tour a couple of times over the years. Youthful exploration, well-earned sabbaticals, diminished motivation… they’ve all been the reasoning behind his time away from the Tour in the past 25 years.

This time, it would seem, the motivation is coming from a joint inspiration of the youth on tour and, perhaps, the realisation that 2017 might be the last time he truly has the energy and motivation to get his mind and body in Title-winning shape – the shape needed to compete against these young’uns – before he’s ready to put himself out to pastures filled with perfect waves.

After each previous Tour break, Kelly has come back to competition inspired and invigorated and, usually, it’s resulted in another title or two added to the mantel. 

Whether he clinches his 12th and final World Title in 2017, or he doesn’t, or he decides to come back at 50 and redefine competitive surfing once again, as he’s done so many times before, we just hope he continues to Social Media with the vigour and candour of a 14-year-old girl – candid, honest, open and potentially playing some serious mind games.

Forever the GOAT, we love you, Robert… and we’ll be eternally watching.