“The sun has mostly like set on another WT heat for me,” Otton shared on social media, but said he would take the chance to focus on his family. 

“But it shines brightest on what is really important in life and in this case it's my best friend beautiful partner mother to our beautiful kids Sarah,” his post reads.

“Seven years she has followed my journey and I can’t thank her enough, probably seven years of anxiety as well,” he adds with a laugh. 

Otton told premiere surfing magazine Tracks that it was almost a “forced retirement” as he was unlikely to chase the Qualifying Series to gain re-entry. 

He was pipped by Kolohoe Andino in the third round of the Pipe Masters to miss out on a spot in the 2017 tour. 

“I’m not gonna chase the QS so this is probably my last event,” he told Tracks. 

Supporters have been quick to congratulate the goofy-footer on an impressive 10-year career since the news broke earlier this week. 

Surfing NSW said “Congrats on what has been a stellar career. Good innings mate,” on Twitter. 

Otton told Tracks the result was still sinking in, but opened up new chances to hit the water for fun. 

“It’s gotta sink in first,” he said. “It has only just hit home, but thanks to everyone that got me here.”

“I’m gonna do a couple of little events near home … hang out with Taj [Burrow] and get barreled.”

Otton said he was never fully sure he could make it after reaching the World Tour at 27, but had just jostled for position every year and is now looking back on a 10-year career at the top level. 

World Surfing League commentators said Otton would be sorely missed from the tour as “one of the most respected guys on tour”. 

“One of the funnest guys, He is just full of jokes and he’s so dry-witted and to hear his commentary is just absolutely amazing,” the team reflects in a special tribute video posted on the WSL website. 

“This guy is such a hard-worker, he finds little barrels and just whips it up into the lip.”

“We’re going to miss him dearly,” the team said.

Otton has featured against some of the world’s best and been recognised for his ability, especially in some of the bigger surf regions. 

Tahiti has been a standout at areas like Tahiti, where has scored flawless 10/10 heats and knocked Kelly Slater out of contention previously. 

2013 was his strongest year of competition rounding out the tour at number seven in the world, 

Otton said he was still weighing up his options, but was just excited to see what life throws at him.