The end couldn't come soon enough for Australian Joel Parkinson after 17 years on surfing's world tour.
The 2012 world champion officially hung up his skivvy as a professional surfer when he was eliminated in round four of the Pipe Masters.
Parkinson, who entered the day in contention for a fairytale fourth Triple Crown win, held priority in the final minutes of his three-man heat but couldn't find a wave to lift him above compatriot Julian Wilson.
The 37-year-old congratulated Wilson before he was chaired off the beach by former Australian surfers Mick Fanning, Mark Occhilupo and Dean Morrison.
"That was such an emotional reception with everyone there," Parkinson said.
"It's been an honour and, you know, I'm proud of what I've achieved, it's awesome.
"Wow, it's over, I'm so glad it's over."
Three-time world champion Fanning, who hung up his surfboard earlier this season after he finished runner-up at Bells Beach, paid tribute to his long-time friend and rival.
"Not only one of my best friends but my hero," Fanning wrote on social media.
"Together there's been ups and downs, everything in between but most of all so many laughs."
Parkinson won his 12th and final tour event at last month's Hawaiian Pro but his career-defining victory came when he edged out 11-time world champion Kelly Slater for the 2012 championship.
"Kelly's the last one of our generation," the 37-year-old Parkinson said.
"I'm sure it will be pretty emotional when he goes for our generation (but) surfing's in good hands with the next generation."
Parkinson reflected on his journey after his father set him on a course to stardom when he bought him his first surfboard 35 years ago.
"It's given me everything," he said.
"The tour has so many hills and valleys, emotional rollercoasters, and like any professional sport it's just the way it rolls.
"It's nice to get to the end of it and finally just run on an even keel for a while and enjoy my time at home and enjoy my family."
But the Queenslander isn't throwing away the board completely.
"I'm done with competing. I just want to go surfing now. That's it," he said.
"That's what I'll do. I'm just a surfer."
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