Surfing icon Kelly Slater has choked back tears after crashing out of the Margaret River Pro on Tuesday.
The 11-time champion was chaired up the iconic stairs and fans went wild in what will likely be the American’s final competitive appearance in Australia.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Slater’s emotional message to family.
Stream every WSL wave live for free on 7plus 
While the 52-year-old didn’t officially say he has retired from the sport, all signs point to his glittering career coming to an end.
Slater lost to world No.1 Griffin Colapinto in an elimination round and failed to make the mid-season cut, which will see him relegated from the WSL.
But he can still surf at the major events with a wildcard and revealed he has requested one for the upcoming event in Fiji, which is looming as his swansong.
“It’s not necessarily the wave I want to end on … but it is what it is,” he said.
“Everything comes to an end and if you don’t adapt you don’t survive. My motivation just hasn’t quite been there to really put in that 100 per cent that everyone’s doing now.
“It’s been an incredible lifetime of memories.”
Slater said he will remain in Australia for a couple more weeks before heading back home to the United States.
He and partner Kalani are expecting their first child together in three months.
“As far as planning out and timing this works really well for us and now (partner) Kalani and I can have some time to really settle in and get prepared for a different lifestyle,” he said.
When asked to deliver a message to his family, Slater struggled to contain his emotions.
“It’s just so much emotion for so long, so much dedication. It’s not all roses, but it’s been the best time of my life and I know my family is at home watching — love you guys,” he said.
“Couldn’t quite pull that miracle off this week, I still had that hope … but to lose to the No.1, I’ve been close friends with Griff for a long time …
“I’m kind of avoiding that emotion, it’s all right there bubbling up. It hit me at Sunset this year. I have been struggling since my surgery, I’m just fighting through the pain, hoping for adrenaline.
“After Sunset I kinda broke down, it feels like the end, but the start of something else, the start of the rest of life.”
While Slater remains reluctant to say he is retired, none other than Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning led the tributes on Tuesday.
“Congratulations on such an incredible career Kelly,” Fanning wrote.
“What you did for the sport of surfing is unrivalled. Pushing the limits of what is possible. The dedication to your craft inspired everyone to become better. Thank you for all the memories and battles.
“It was truly an honour to share heats, surfs and experiences over the years. You taught me what it takes to become a champion in and out of the water.
“Wishing you all the very best for the future and your new growing family. Love and respect.”
