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. In 2008, more than half his results had him the Top 10, highlighting fact that "Ottz" is here to stay on ASP Dream Tour.

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. Otton will be hungry in 2009, as he looks to the Top 10 and beyond.