In a press release the surf brand sent out this afternoon, Quiksilver have confirmed Kelly’s decision to part ways with the surf giant. The statement reads as follows:

Quiksilver Celebrates Kelly Slater as He Transitions into His New Business Venture

Quiksilver and world-champion surfer, Kelly Slater, have announced they will be discontinuing their 23-year partnership, effective April 1, 2014. Quiksilver has reached many milestones with Slater over the years, including 11 ASP World Titles, countless World Champion Tour victories and collaborations in developing his progressive and successful Quiksilver collection.

Quiksilver Executive Chairman, Bob McKnight, first signed an 18 year-old Slater to the brand in 1990. “Kelly has been a part of the Quiksilver family for over 20 years. It’s been an incredible journey watching him grow from a young surfer with great potential, to the 11-time World Champion he is today.” McKnight continues, “We wish Kelly all the best as he enters this next phase of his career.”

Slater has become both friend and family to many at Quiksilver over the years and it is with a heavy heart that he states, “There is little I can say that would give the credit due or cover the debt of gratitude I feel on a personal and professional level to Quiksilver.” Slater continued, “As a brand and on a human level, they have been a part of my life, career, and personal relationships for more than 23 years now, well over half my life. They’ve supported me through good times and bad, personal hardships and competitive triumphs, and never wavered in backing my choices and desires in all that time.”

Slater’s legacy at Quiksilver includes not only decades of competition success, but also a deep history of product collaborations that has left its mark on the surf industry. Even as we get ready to say goodbye, Slater’s influence will be seen in Quiksilver’s upcoming partnership with REPREVE Fabrics® and the brand’s commitment to working with recycled materials.

Quiksilver is proud of the history it has created with Slater and looks forward to watching him as he embarks on his new business endeavors in this next chapter of his life.