Owen Wright Is Officially Returning To The CT

Looks like Mick Fanning won’t be the only welcome face we’ll see more of on tour this year. According to a recent WSL press release, Owen Wright is making a return to the 2017 CT circuit as well, as this year’s injury wildcard after formally accepting their offer.

“I’m so thankful for the support of my friends and family, my sponsors, the WSL and all the people in the community who sent positive thoughts to me throughout my recovery,” Wright told the WSL. “I’m feeling stronger every day and I’m very much looking forward to returning to the tour and further honing my fitness and surfing throughout the 2017 season.”

After a year-long competitive absence after suffering a serious head injury whilst surfing Pipeline in December of 2015, Wright made a brief appearance at the six-star QS held in Newcastle a few weeks back, performing extravagantly before eventually falling in round three. And before the dreadful feeling of absence surrounding the lengthy goofyfooter could sink in again, we learned he’d match up with Sebastian Zietz and Ethan Ewing in round one of the Quiksilver Pro. Which kicks off in a week.

“Owen Wright is one of the most electric and powerful surfers to ever grace the tour,” WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow said in the same WSL statement. “Following his injury in December of 2015, the WSL’s priority was Owen’s well-being and, if he were to return to competition, a healthy return to the sport. After assessing his performance and health after a QS event earlier in the season, Owen has accepted the WSL Wildcard for the 2017 season. We’re happy to have him back.”

If last year’s Quik Pro any indication, Snapper plays kindly to lengthy, Australian goofyfooters. Oh, and let’s not forget, Owen is pretty good at this whole surfing thing on top of that. Should make for some good times on the Gold Coast.