Owen Wright Returns To Competition

To say it’s been too long since we’ve seen Owen Wright don a jersey is an understatement. But for the first time in over a year, the thrill may be back.

Organisers of the Surfest in Merewether, Australia, announced this week that Wright had officially entered the WSL’s QS 6000 event.

“Surfing superstar Owen Wright will return to pro-surfing in the Maitland and Port Stephens Toyota Pro World Qualifying Series 6000 set down for Merewether beach at Newcastle next month,” reads a statement on Surfest.com.

Wright’s coach, Glen Hall, quickly talked down the news, saying that Wright, “wanted to be there, but he’s not quite ready yet.”

“He’s slowly making his progress towards a comeback, but the timeframe is still unknown for everyone, even himself,” Hall told the Newcastle Herald.

Wright was sidelined from competition after suffering a serious brain injury as a result of a wipeout at Pipeline in December 2015. While still focusing on his recovery, he recently became a father and has been celebrating his sister Tyler’s world title.

“He’s just taking it easy and easing his way into it,” continued Hall. “He’s surfing and training and he’s really happy, which is a good thing. He’s past the real serious side of the brain injury and he’s in a position where he can slowly get his back into the groove.”

“I think the worldwide surfing community will be stoked that Owen Wright feels he is ready to get back in the water to compete,” said Surfest head Warren Smith. “The love and encouragement being expressed for Owen through social media is incredible.”

Wright’s had very little interaction with the media over the last year and the status of his recovery remains somewhat unclear. Bits of video on social media and hearsay would indicate that he’s been ripping lately.