A summary of events leading up to Julian Wilson’s recent ascendance to the number one spot on the WSL rankings reads a bit like fiction. In a short span of time he injured his AC joint, hosted the inaugural Serious Fun Weekend, helped raise awareness about breast cancer, became a dad, and won the 2018 Quicksliver Pro on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Although Wilson’s injury was sustained on land thanks to a mountain biking incident, it seemed likely to keep him out of the water, or at least competition, for a while. Paddling into waves with one good shoulder is no easy task. Taking on the world’s most competitive surfers in such a state is borderline ridiculous – and yet it didn’t stop him from taking out the entire contest and gaining a head start on this year’s world title campaign.
But let’s back up a second. After the injury Wilson headlined a different type of competition – the Serious Fun Weekend. Designed to offer groms both a good time at Wilson’s home beach of Coolum, and showcase some of the up-and-coming talent Australia has to offer, it incorporated surfing, skating, art, and community vibes to culminate in a great time for everyone involved. Watch the video below for a visual and more details about how it went down.
With the Serious Fun Weekend, Wilson’s positive streak was just getting started. A whirlwind of events would see him donning signature pink Hurley boardshorts created by his mom and breast cancer survivor Nola Wilson, standing on the podium at the Quicksilver Pro, taking the ratings lead on the WSL tour, and witnessing the birth of his first child.
It’s hard to imagine a better way to start a competitive surf season, or way to live life in general. There’s symbology here, a philosophy worth considering, an inspiring balance of seriousness and fun that we could all strive towards if not simply appreciate each time we paddle out into our own triumphs and challenges.
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