In the worst kept secret in professional surfing Pipe specialist and Hawaiian big-wave surfer, Jamie O'Brien, is moving to Australia.

O'Brien, who's father Mick is Australian, said he always harboured a desire to live in Australia and the time is right to do it.

"I have a new sponsor in Red Bull and they want me to be closer to some heavy waves" said O'Brien of the move. As of April, O'Brien will take up residence at Tugun on the Gold Coast

There is no doubt that O'Brien will be warmly welcomed as a green & gold countryman just as other overseas transplants, such as Aussie Joe Bugner and Russell Crowe, have been made to feel welcome.

Luke Shadbolt captures 'our Jamie' getting some farewell waves at his old home break of Pipeline. //STUART NETTLE