Julian Wilson Wants To Lift The Surf Standard Of The Australian Youth

Julian Wilson’s had an interesting break. The father-to-be recently moved into an apartment in Newcastle with his wife Ash, dabbled in a petite-sized quiver and went head over turkey on a pushbike, blowing out his shoulder in the process. Now he’s back home in Coolum, licking his wounds and preparing for two full days hosting his very own grom clinic this weekend called Julian Wilson’s Serious Fun Weekend.

Hurley, known for always having an eye on the future, from emphasis on tech and performance, to their lengthy list of promising youth on their surf roster, are backing the event, which will include a broad range of activities, from skateboarding and surfing to putt-putt and a WCT-style competition on the Sunday.

“It’s going to be a reflection of my childhood growing up on the Sunshine Coast and getting into a lot of different things, skateboarding, long boarding, short boarding, boogie boarding, motorbikes all that stuff,” Julian told Stab yesterday. 

“I don’t get to see a lot of the juniors that are coming up so I’m excited about a whole bunch of the kids that I’ve invited. I want to see the kids have a good time and see where the level’s at.”

The grom invasion begins on Saturday in Coolum with a full range of entertainment for 6-14 year-olds.

Role model goals. Photo: Ryan Miller.

According to our formal brief the event,

Symbolises Julian’s childhood and pathway to being a professional athlete; growing up with FUN as the most important requirement whatever he was doing. In addition to surfing; skateboarding and motorbike riding represents his love of many sports.

There will be a number of stations set up in Tickle Park including an Oakley chill out area, Board art, Hurley Printing Press, Sun Bum Tent, Skate and Surf Sessions and Mini Putt-Putt Golf. In addition to those activities the crew from JS Surfboards, Thomas Longboards, Catch Surfboards and FCS will have all the latest Julian Wilson products to demo.

Day two will see the competitive flame lit. Jules has handpicked 12 of Australia’s brightest under 18s to go head to head in a CT style event.

“They’ll be competing in a CT format event, a one day contest, that’s like the same as going from round 4 onwards in a World Tour event,” said Jules.

“I’m excited for the whole weekend, I’m excited to let the local kids see the talent from around Australia and see where the levels at – which I think will help.” Photo: Trevor Moran

“There’s three different backup spots. So depending on the conditions (which are actually looking fantastic) we can get really fun waves for the comp. The winner will come on a trip with me later in the year to be a part of whatever movie project I’m working on this year and also put a section together for an Oakley Battle Of The Clips entry. They’ll also score a 50cc dirt bike, a handshaped longboard from Thomas Surfboards and a custom JS surfboard.”

“The whole event’s based around one surfboard that me and my two brothers grew learning to surf on. We still have it, it’s a 6’6” pin tail round nose board. The model of the board’s actually called Serious Fun, so that’s where the name comes from for the weekend and the whole kind of idea behind the contest. JS is going to do a replica of that board as the trophy.”

Julian actually started out riding in longboarding events as a grom, singing praises for their easy-going culture and lack of competitive pressure. 

“I loved it. That’s where I found most of my life long friendships on the coast. It was a way to learn about competition without any hassling or aggression.”

“I hope this event creates a good opportunity to get behind the talent that’s coming through from Australia and give them a bit of a head start into the next chapter. When I was about 17 I realised I had a chance of making it and I think it’s a pretty crucial time in a development stage for the kids. The QS stage can be pretty daunting but hopefully I can give them a bit of confidence and support.”

And a quick checkup on his condition?

“There’s little signs of improvement. I haven’t had this injury before and I’m in really good hands with it, but there’s a bit of grey area around when I’m going to be able to surf again and what level it needs to be at. It’s a week by week kind of thing. Just rehab and wait for it to improve so I can push it again.”

Stay tuned for live social hits and a wrap from the event.

Details: 

JULIAN WILSON SERIOUS FUN EVENT (SOLD OUT)

TICKLE PARK, COOLUM BEACH

FEBRUARY 10TH – 11TH 2018
9AM

#JWSERIOUSFUN