Kai Otton grew up on the far south coast of New South Wales in Tathra, Australia. After four years competing on the ASP WQS, his 2006 season was heavy with top 10 finishes, launching the progressive goofy-footer onto the ASP World Tour in 2007. Although initially unknown on the international stage, Otton made his presence felt by upsetting top ranked surfers in high profile events and finishing inside the Top 15 as a rookie. That same year, Otton ended 8X ASP World Champion Kelly Slater's hopes for title No. 9 when he beat him at the Santa Catarina Pro in Brazil and then went on to surf his first ASP World Tour final with freshly-crowned ASP World Champ Mick Fanning.

Those who have surfed against him in heats will attest to his beachbreak dominance, yet semifinal showings at Teahupoo and frequent free surfs at hell spots such as North Sydney's "Deadmans" will prove paramount in future heavy water events.

weight: 169 lbs (77 kilos)

height: 5'11" (180 cm)

stance: Goofy foot

sponsors: Insight surfboards and clothing, Etnies footwear, Smith eyewear, SDS Surf Shop

shapers: Matt Penn

quiver: 6'1", 6'3"

favorite waves: Merimbula Bar

favorite maneuvers: Barrels

favorite surfers: Mike Rommelse, Grant Vine, Dane Beavor, Michael Campbell and Tom Carroll

2008 Rating: 12

2008 Points: 4552

2008 earnings: $56,000.00

Career earnings: $204,300.00

highest ASP World Tour rating: World No. 12 in 2007

years on ASP World Tour: 2008 will be Kai's second year on the World
Tour

rating by year:
2007: 12th

rating by year:
2007: 12th

elite inception: 2007

hard yards: Otton contested the ASP WQS from 2002 to 2006

filmography: The Sketch (2004)

elite tour victories:(0)