Surfing world No. 2 Julian Wilson wants to win Quiky Pro for cancer survivor mum Nola

Surfing world No. 2 Julian Wilson opens up about his mum surviving cancer, missing Mick and Parko and his dreams to become No. 1 in 2019.

Watch out for a pop of pink carving through the waves at the Quiksilver Pro on Wednesday — world No. 2 surfer Julian Wilson wants to reclaim the top title, this time for his mum.

The Aussie surfer’s mother Nola has twice fought breast cancer, most recently requiring a mastectomy to save her life.

“The first time Mum had breast cancer I was about five and more recently she had her breast taken off four years ago,” he said.

“When I was younger it didn’t make a lot of sense to me … but as I got older I could understand what Mum went through and how strong she was and how important it was to still have her here. I’ve had an amazing opportunity through surfing to raise awareness for something that really affected our family and affects a lot of families — it’s something I’m really passionate about.”

Popular world No. 2 surfer Julian Wilson is determined to win the Quiksilver Pro for his mum who has beaten cancer twice. Picture: Toby Zerna

MORE NEWS

Kendall Jenner’s surprise visit to Sydney this week

Aussie actor at scene of rapper’s LA gun murder

You like? Mrs Nassif’s surprising return to Instagram

Wilson is using his profile to raise money to fight the disease, including through Hurley’s Julian x Nola range of pink surfwear.

He faces Hawaiian surfer Seth Moniz in his first round of the Quiksilver Pro competition on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.

While he’s keen to have a repeat of last year, and is feeling better than ever, he said not having recently retired champs Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning in the water will be different.

He is using his profile to raise money through his Julian x Nola range of pink surfwear.

Fans can keep a look out for his pink shorts.

“I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself in the past that maybe prevented me from freeing myself up and doing my best surfing,” Wilson said.

“It feels a little bit strange (not having Fanning and Parko there).

“They left a bit of a hole obviously being two of the best locals of all time to surf this wave, it’s not going to be the same event this year.”

If Wilson can take out the title, he will be on track to his goal of reaching No. 1 in the world this year.

“I’ll do my best,” he said.

“Last year was my best year I’ve had and the closest I’ve been to achieving It so hopefully I can go that little bit better this year.”

Originally published as Surfing world No. 2 Julian Wilson wants to win Quiky Pro for cancer survivor mum Nola