Fatherhood inspiring Owen Wright to new heights on world surf tour

OWEN Wright says being a father has changed his life. Now he believes it can change his surfing future.

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OWEN Wright says being a father has changed his life. Now he believes it can change his surfing future.

The Australian who fought back from the brink to return to the world tour after a serious head injury, says he has both the mental strength and stability in his life to launch a serious bid for the world crown.

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He also says wanting to do his toddler son Vali proud is a big part of his motivation.

Owen Wright winning at Snapper Rocks in 2017 and a picture from his Instagram of he and his son.

Vali and my valentines!! 💙❤️@kitaalexander pic.twitter.com/8xgXr977Zx

— Owen Wright (@RealOwenWright) February 15, 2018

“I feel more rounded and complete,” Wright said of fatherhood after wining his opening heat of the World Tour opening Quiksilver Pro.

“It’s the greatest thing. To travel with him, to be able to do new things with him every day, it has given me a lot of motivation.”

Wright, who spend a year on the sidelines rehabilitating from a head injury sustained in a wipe-out in Hawaii in December 2016, returned to elite competition at the 2017 Quiksilver Pro — and won it.

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It was his sole victory in a year he used to rebuild his physical and mental strength — along with his confidence.

“As a competitor you alway want improvement to come each year and I think it is,” he said.

“I definitely feel like my confidence, physical and mental strength is all back where it needs to be.

Beach time for da boys @croozeebikes pic.twitter.com/AxjpY7AGPW

— Owen Wright (@RealOwenWright) March 3, 2018

“Everything is really good. I still have a few things when it comes to the biggest waves but that’s just a little fear. Other than that I am healthy and happy.’’

Wright said he isn’t pressured by last year’s win which he says was “part of reclaiming my life back after what happened’’.

“I’m just embracing it and using it as motivation.’’

It was emotion overload when Owen Wright beat his best mate Matt Wilkinson for the Quiksilver Pro crown in 2017. Pic: Tim Marsden

Earning a direct ride to the third round with Wright on the opening day of the Quiksilver Pro was sleep-deprived new dad Julian Wilson, whose daughter Olivia was born just over a week ago.

Others Australians to advance included Adrian Buchan and Connor O’Leary with Mick Fanning also winning what could be one of his last ever competition heats at Snapper Rocks.

World champion John John Florence and Australian Matt Wilkinson are both surfing for survival in round two.

In the Roxy Pro, Tyler Wright was the first Australian to advance straight to round three alongside former world champion Carissa Moore and French surfer Johanne Defay.