Kelly Slater's pulling the pin at the end of the year and Mick Fanning has only just returned to full-time competition, but Joel Parkinson is the old man of surfing who just keeps on keeping on.
The 2012 world champion made a winning start to his 2017 World Surf League campaign at Snapper Rocks on Thursday, easing his way into the third round with an opening heat victory.
Despite being without an event win on tour since June 2013, Parkinson says his desire is as strong as its ever been.
"This year I'm really fired up to do well. I'm so pumped," the 35-year-old said.
"I felt last year I was so lacklustre in some events and I don't want to have that any more.
"Every heat I'm going to surf is going to be at my best and at my peak. I just hope, stay fit and healthy and I can surf for a few more years on the tour like that."
Parkinson says the return of great rival and friend Fanning is a boost to his own surfing.
Fanning only competed in five events last year as he took time out following an emotional 2015 and Parkinson says the three-time champion's return is a welcome one.
"As much as knowing we want each other to do well, we also want to kick each other's ass," Parkinson said.
"It's been a huge influence knowing he's back, he's fit, he's healthy and he's ready to win. I'm inspired by that and I guess we flourish a bit together."
As to claiming a second world title? Parkinson says when it comes to ambitions, talk is cheap.
"Saying you want a world title doesn't win a world title you know? I think hunger and determination does that."
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